Historic Replicas

You may have noticed our site’s authentic Renaissance costumes, and wondered, why all the fuss about wealthy Italians who lived 500 years ago?  Well, the Renaissance marked Europe’s emergence from the Dark Ages, a time of widespread ignorance and superstition, into the Enlightenment Era, when that continent’s great minds and wealthy patrons inspired a revolution in philosophy and the arts.  Italy played a pivotal role in this period of cultural evolution, and of the noble families involved, none were more crucial to its success than the Medicis. 

This exceedingly wealthy family assumed control over their home city of Florence, transforming it into a haven for artists and architects.  The most beloved and famous of the clan was Lorenzo the Magnificent (1449-1492).  He devoted himself to making Italy the cultural center of the world.  The Medicis commissioned some of history’s greatest works of art, most notably Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. They were active in the advancement of scientific thought; in a way, we owe the Medicis our understanding of the Solar System and the revolution of the planets, because they supported Galileo in his study of astronomy. Ironically, their greatest contribution to modern society was unintentional.  The devoutly Catholic Medicis actually helped start the Protestant Reformation!  They used their vast resources to install Popes Leo X and Clement VII on the Vatican throne, men who were incapable of suppressing Martin Luther’s radical teachings, and in turn the rise of the Anglican church. By both action and accident, the Medicis were one of history’s most influential families.  

Learn more about the Medicis, Italy and Roman Replicas on the Historic Replicas recommended site list.