Changes

The Medici family originally originate in a small village to the north of Florence. In the thirteenth century, the first Medici arrived in Florence. The family soon prospered in their new home. The early De Medici’s made their money in the wool trade. They used the profits that they made in the wool trade to diversify their business interests. Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici (c. 1360–1429), increased the wealth of the family and established the Medici Bank, and became one of the richest men in the city of Florence.<ref> Hibbert, Christopher. <i>The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall</i>. Morrow (London, Morrow, 1975) </ref> The Medici became involved in politics and they were often involved with the popular party in Florence. In general, the Medici liked to influence politics from behind the scene and used their wealth and connections to achieve their goals. In 1434 Cosimo the Elder was elected as one of the leaders of the Florentine Republic and although he was only one of several magistrates who ruled the city he came to dominate it.<ref> Ferdinand Schevill, <i>History of Florence: From the Founding of the City Through the Renaissance</i> (London, Frederick Ungar, 1936), p. 113</ref>