4 Episode Documentary: 1-Birth of a Dynasty,  2-The Magnificent Medici, 3-The Medici Popes, 4-Power vs. Truth

From a small Italian community in 15th-century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power. They would also ignite the most important cultural and artistic revolution in Western history–the European Renaissance. But the forces of change the Medici helped unleash would one day topple their ordered world. An epic drama played out in the courts, cathedrals and palaces of Europe, this series is both the tale of one family’s powerful ambition and of Europe’s tortured struggle to emerge from the ravages of the dark ages.

A tale of one family’s powerful ambition and of Europe’s struggle to emerge from the ravages of the Dark Ages. Beginning in the 14th century, The Medici used charm, skill and ruthlessness to garner unparalleled wealth and power. Standing at the helm of the Renaissance, they ruled Europe for more than 300 years and inspired the great artists, scientists and thinkers who gave birth to the modern world.

This four-hour documentary on the Medici has all of the series’ strengths (high production values, excellent cinematography) and its great weakness of substituting simple conflict for historical analysis. You might get weary, as I did, of the implicit comparisons of the Renaissance banking family with the Coreleones, but that’s relieved by a truly diverse selection of talking heads and viewpoints.

The Medici: Episode 1 –  Birth of a Dynasty

A look at the humble origins of the Florentine family that would eventually have 5 family memebers seat on the throne of St. Peter. See how they made their way to the top.

The Medici: Episode 2 –  The Magnificent Medici

Lorenzo and the Ascendancy of Renaissance Art. Continued from “Birth of a Dynasty”. These videos are about how the Medici were/became great patrons of the arts after securing control and influence over Florence.

The Medici: Episode 3 –  The Medici Popes

Leo X, Clement VII and Michaelangelo. Starts were the “Magnificent” left off. The city of Florence has just revolted and threw off Medici rule and influence. The two Medici cousin, a priest and a cardinal, both seek to regain their powerbase.

The Medici: Episode 4 –  Power vs. Truth

Beginnings were “The Popes” left off. The Medici have lost control of the Papacy. Now a prince from a noble branch of the Medici must rebuild their powerbase from strach.