The fourth Medici to come to power as “unofficial lord” of Florence is Lorenzo the Magnificent’s son, Piero. Although a strapping, handsome, and popular young man, forces within the regime are already working against him. But the real threat is starting to stir many miles outside of Florence…
Transcript
Piero de Medici or Piero II if you want to be specific was the oldest of Lorenzo the Magnificent’s sons who lived past infancy, born on February 15, 1472. This is a bit of a spoiler but I should mention he’s also remembered by history with the sobriquets “the Unfortunate” or “The Brief”, as you probably noticed in this episode’s title. There was never really any question that Lorenzo’s place on the invisible throne of the Medici would be filled by his eldest son Piero. After Lorenzo’s death only a single vote in the Council of Seventy, out of all the legislative councils in the government, went against a bill that would have Piero inherit everything from Lorenzo, including his political responsibilities. This was despite the fact that Piero was too young for political office according to Florentine law.
The Medici Podcast 