196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

In this episode, we reunite with an old friend of the show — Caterina Sforza, the indomitable “Tigress of Forlì.” From her, we follow the turbulent and violent early life of her son, Giovanni de’ Medici, known as Il Gran Diavolo — the Great Devil — a man whose passions, battles, and excesses would shape the future of both the Sforza and Medicidynasties.

We go through the tangled lineage and fiery temperament of one of Renaissance Italy’s most fascinating figures, tracing his path from rebellious youth to feared mercenary captain — and father to the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
  • The Birth of “Il Gran Diavolo” (1498) – Giovanni’s birth to Caterina Sforza and Giovanni “Il Popolano” de’ Medici, and the prophetic words that would define his life.
  • A Child of Chaos – His mother’s imprisonment by Cesare Borgia, his custody battles, and his violent childhood in Florence.
  • Love, Blood, and Family Ties – The marriage to Maria Salviati uniting two Medici branches, and the domestic discord that followed.
  • A Life of War and Vice – Duels, brothel fights, noble feuds, and the infamous bridge incident with the Orsini family.
  • From Rogue to Commander – His rise through the papal ranks, battlefield heroics, and growing legend as a fearless condottiero.
  • The Birth of Cosimo de’ Medici (1519) – The long-awaited heir who would one day found the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, born amid firelight celebrations across Italy.

Key Figures
  • Caterina Sforza – The formidable mother whose courage and intellect defined Giovanni’s heritage.
  • Giovanni de’ Medici “Il Popolano” – His father, from a cadet branch of the Medici family.
  • Maria Salviati – His loyal but neglected wife.
  • Giovanni della Stufa – The inseparable and scandalous companion.
  • Pope Leo X – Patron, relative, and pivotal figure in Giovanni’s military career.
  • Cosimo de’ Medici – The son who would carry the Medici name to new heights.

Closing Thought

From Caterina’s fierce independence to Giovanni’s reckless courage, this episode explores how blood, loyalty, and ambition intertwined in the crucible of Renaissance Italy — giving rise to a new generation destined to rule.

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127 – Milan vs Florence: fight to the death (1395 – 1402)

127 – Milan vs Florence: fight to the death (1395 – 1402)

unstoppable expansion of the newly formed Duchy of Milan. Will they manage? Or will Gian Galeazzo Visconti complete his vision of including Florence in his dominions.

7 Joulu 202127min

126 – Visconti family feud and a new duchy is born (1378 – 1395)

126 – Visconti family feud and a new duchy is born (1378 – 1395)

We see how the power-sharing solution for the government of Milan comes crashing down with power once again in the hands of a single man: Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who, after inheriting the holdings of his father and uncle, will create a Duchy that will last for centuries. meanwhile we also try and keep up with Florence and the other Tuscan cities as well as those of Piedmont Lombardi and benedetto as they do their best to counter the expansion of the new Duchy.

1 Joulu 202127min

The Great Q & A session

The Great Q & A session

To celebrate reaching episode 125, we have a special episode with questions from our wonderful listenersWe get to talk about Latin, Lombards, Normans, noble houses, strange surnames, the mafia, fascism and much, much more.

23 Marras 202134min

125 – War and rebellion in Tuscany (1348 to 1382)

125 – War and rebellion in Tuscany (1348 to 1382)

After seeing the gruesome spectacle of the plague in Florence through the eyes of Giovani bocaccio we follow the rising tension in the city and all over Tuscany that would eventually erupt in the rebellion known as the "Revolt of the Ciompi".In the meantime, Florence also finds time to participate in the war of the eight Saints. Lots of fun in the 14th century for Tuscany!

16 Marras 202118min

124 – Troubled Tuscan times and Boccaccio's Decameron

124 – Troubled Tuscan times and Boccaccio's Decameron

After following Florence and Tuscany through a mini golden age from the 1280's to the 1330's we see things really start to go downhill with social tensions between the Arti Maggiori, the greater guilds, and the arti minori, the lesser guilds, exacerbated also by the very brief dominion over Florence by Walter of Brienne.We then take a brief look at the life of Giovani bocaccio and see the plague through his eyes with his great work the Decameron.

9 Marras 202119min

Halloween Special: The Ghost of Bardi Castle

Halloween Special: The Ghost of Bardi Castle

In this special Halloween episode we explore the castle of Bardi in the Apennines of Parma. The ghost is supposedly that of Moroello, the captain of the castle garrison who is said to have died along with his beloved Soleste in the late 15th century.

31 Loka 202135min

123 – The Tuscan scene and Florence rising (1302 – 1327)

123 – The Tuscan scene and Florence rising (1302 – 1327)

area. We see how things went with the Guelphs and Ghibellines inside and outside the region with all the "international" players while all the while the corporations make their way into the halls of power.

26 Loka 202125min

Tech update test and free "NewsCappuccino" episode

Tech update test and free "NewsCappuccino" episode

I'm very sorry but I am updating my tracking system. As an apology: a free episode of one of the features you can find on Patreon, NewsCappuccino, enjoy!

20 Loka 202111min

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