The foundation of Florence’s economy in the Middle Ages was the wool industry. However, in 1378 wool combers went on strike against oligarchic rule, which is known as the ‘Revolt of the Ciompi’ (comber in Italian). As they were suppressed, the Medici family helped restore order in Florence, and continued to be associated with stability and order thereafter.

Cosimo de Medici was the first of his family to control Florence, behind the scenes. Florence enjoyed an unprecedented level of democracy at this time, but Cosimo held power through an alliance with new immigrants. Moreover, the Medici were known to have served as bankers to the Pope. The dynasty ruled as the generations turned. Piero, who was Cosimo’s son, succeeded him until replaced by his own son Lorenzo in 1469. As an avid supporter of the arts, Lorenzo commissioned works by da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli, which contributed to the rise of Renaissance culture in Florence.

After Lorenzo’s death, his son Pietro was exiled in 1492, and the republican government restored. Its representatives were influenced by the ideology of Savonarola, a radical prior of the Dominican order. His protests against worldly pleasures foreshadowed many religious controversies in the years thereafter.

The Medici family, as well as Florence itself, was also influenced by the great Niccolo Machiavelli, born in Florence in 1469. Apart from The Prince, he also wrote the 'Florentine Histories', a chronicle of events in the city. He enjoyed good connections with the Medici family, as his widespread ideology helped them stay in power. It is claimed that Machiavelli also perpetuated political malpractice and malfeasance.

In 1527, the Medici lost their power again, and as a result the republic was re-established. In time, the Medici succeeded in becoming hereditary dukes of Florence, with the support of the Pope and the Emperor in 1537. They remained in power for two centuries. In 1569, they were declared Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Only the republic, and later, the duchy of Lucca was independent of Florence, whereas all other settlements in Tuscany were under the authority of the Medici.