by Angela Donlon-Gatchell

Created on: August 09, 2008

A misunderstood man, Niccolo Machiavelli began his life on May 3, 1469 in Florence, Italy where he would inevitably be exiled from. Some called him the child of Satan, others thought he was disturbed and some accused him of supporting a corrupt reign. These allegations held on past his death on June 21, 1521.

He was a student of Politics, the military, theory, and history. Machiavelli was educated in Latin and Italian classics as well. Coming from a family of great nobility, Machiavelli was the second born son to his lawyer father Bernardo de Niccolo Machiavelli. The Machiavelli family was known for having 13 Florentine gonfaloniers of justice in their family lineage. The gonfaloniers were men of prestige who held communal posts in which helped formed the government.

The time of Niccolo Machiavelli was one of war and great turmoil. Armies were being led by Popes and the wealthy city-states would continuously switch hands of the foreign powers of France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Alliances were shifting on a weekly basis.
In 1494, Machiavelli entered into government services as a clerk and then later an ambassador. During the same year Florence was once again restored as a republic and the ruling families of nearly 60 years, the Medici family, were exiled. The Medici family would have a major impact on the remaining years of Niccolo Machiavelli's life. During the exile Machiavelli was placed as a member of Council and made responsible for the diplomatic negotiations and military matters. During this time period he held many "diplomatic missions" to the court of Louis XII in France and many notable political influences of his time.
From 1503-1506 he was responsible for the Florentine militia which included the defense of the city. His distrust of the mercenaries is evidenced in his writings in the "Discorsi" and in "II Principle".

1509 was a time of great change for Florence and Machiavelli. Florence's citizen forces defeated Pisa und Machiavelli's direction. However, in 1512 Medici was aided from Pope Julius II and Spanish troops in defeated the Florentine forces at Prato. The head of state of Florentine, Piero Soderini, resigned his position and went into exile. Again, Florence the republic was dismantled.

Because of Machiavelli's involvement in the republics "anti-Medici government" in 1513 Machiavelli was not only removed from office but accused and arrested for conspiracy. His punishment consisted of torture by the rope. His hands were tied behind his back

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