Duchy of Florence
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The Duchy of Florence was an Italian principality that was centred on the city of Florence, in Tuscany, Italy. The duchy was founded after Pope Clement VII, himself a Medici, appointed his relative Al
Cosimo I de' Medici
Republic of Siena
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The Republic of Siena was a historic state consisting of the city of Siena and southern Tuscany, Central Italy. It existed for over 400 years, from 1125 to 1555. During its existence, it gradually exp
Duchy of Florence
…into a hereditary monarchy. The second Duke, Cosimo I, established a strong Florentine navy and expanded his territory, purchasing Elba and conquering Siena. In 1569, Pope Pius V declared Cosimo Grand Duke of Tuscany. The Medici ruled the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until 1737. Florence had been under informal…
Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of the Republic's government
A miniature depicting the Battle of Montaperti, from the Nuova Cronica (14th century)
Medieval coin of the Republic of Siena (12th century)
The historic centre dominated by the Duomo