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.

Jaksot(290)

078 – The Golden age of communes

078 – The Golden age of communes

We take a look at some of the factors that made the 13th century the golden age of the communes such as trade and finance as the consular communes transformed into popular communes as early signs of the coming era of the "signorie" loomed.

27 Helmi 202021min

077 – The situation in the 13th century and revenge in Florence

077 – The situation in the 13th century and revenge in Florence

We take a look at how our communes are evolving in the 13th century with the whole messy Guelphs and Ghibellines business and have a look at the legend of how the factions were formed in Florence with the tragic tale of Buondelmonte dei Buondelmonti, a real soap opera, Florentine style.

20 Helmi 202020min

Recap 04: Episodes 051 – 076 from the Concordat of Worms to the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II

Recap 04: Episodes 051 – 076 from the Concordat of Worms to the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II

We stop for our usual recap to look back over episodes 051 to 076 going from the Concordat of Worms in 1122 to the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, with a look at the rise of the Commune city states and the maritime republics, Venice in particular.

11 Helmi 202017min

076 – St. Francis of Assisi

076 – St. Francis of Assisi

We look at the life and ideas of one of the most famous and influential figures in religious and non religious history, a young man who deemed of being a great soldier, who became one of the greatest champions of peace.

6 Helmi 202038min

075 – Heresies and the Inquisition

075 – Heresies and the Inquisition

We take a break to look at the increase in heretical ideas and movement in the 12th and 13th centuries such as the Cathars and Waldensians and how the church decided to dea with the rising tide of critical opposition to it.

21 Tammi 202022min

074 – Goodbye Freddie II

074 – Goodbye Freddie II

We see the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II to its end as he faces off with Gregory IX and then Innocent IV, all the while dealing with the ever rebellious communes of northern Italy in their continuous struggle between pro-imperial Ghibellines and pro-papal Guelphs, up to the Battle of Parma in 1247.

14 Tammi 202022min

073 – Frederick II stupor mundi (and a bit naughty)

073 – Frederick II stupor mundi (and a bit naughty)

1231 - 1237 We take a moment to look more into the provate life of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and see how his court, as well as seeing a little naughtiness going on, was a cradle of culture and science. We than deal with a rebellion by his first born son Henry before we see a rematch of Empire vs Lombard League.

7 Tammi 202019min

072 – Frederick II takes the reigns and trouble starts

072 – Frederick II takes the reigns and trouble starts

1220 - 1231 After his coronation as Holy Roman Emperor in 1220, Frederick II has to first consolidate the south, facing the Muslim rebellion and then deal with the insistence of the popes for a new Crusade, an issue he will find a completely unprecedented solution for.

29 Joulu 201922min

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