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Y305: The Renaissance c.1400–c.1600

Depth study: Savonarola — Savonarola as a preacher and Florence under Savonarola

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit group 3

Overview

Recall questions on Savonarola as a preacher, the impact of the French invasion and the fall of Piero de’ Medici, Florence under Savonarola, political change, moral reform, the Bonfire of the Vanities.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Evaluation

Why did the events of 1494 strengthen Savonarola's authority?

Key term

What was the main constitutional change made under Savonarola's influence?

Key term

Name two reforms, apart from the Great Council, introduced in Florence during Savonarola's ascendancy.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Who was Savonarola?

    Model answer

    He was a Dominican friar from Ferrara who became prior of the convent of San Marco in Florence in 1491 and, after 1494, the dominant moral and political influence in the city.

  2. 2

    Why was Savonarola's preaching so effective?

    Model answer

    He preached in plain, vivid and apocalyptic language, denounced the corruption of the Church and the tyranny of the rich by name, and drew such crowds that his sermons had to be moved to the cathedral.

  3. 3

    What did Savonarola prophesy?

    Model answer

    He foretold that a scourge would come from the north to punish Italy for its sins, that the Church would then be renewed, and that Florence would be purified and become the new Jerusalem, the model city of Christ.

  4. 4

    Why did the events of 1494 strengthen Savonarola's authority?

    Model answer

    The arrival of Charles VIII's French army appeared to be exactly the scourge from the north he had predicted, which convinced many Florentines that he spoke with divine authority.

  5. 5

    Why did Piero de' Medici fall in 1494?

    Model answer

    He went in person to Charles VIII and surrendered Pisa, Livorno and other fortresses without authority from the government, and the humiliation caused the city to expel the Medici in November 1494.

  6. 6

    What part did Savonarola play in dealing with Charles VIII?

    Model answer

    He led the embassies to the French king, was treated by him with respect, and helped secure the departure of the French army from Florence, which made him appear the saviour of the city.

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