As a tourist walking around Florence, it's impossible to overlook one specific symbol that is scattered throughout the city: the Medici family crest. The Medici family was the backbone of Florentine government from the 15th century until their fall in the late 18th century.
Prior to the Medici family reign, from 1100 to 1400, Florence was a republic rather than a monarchy. The government was dominated by guilds, or associations, of trading merchants, artisans, craftsmen, etc., and the executive council was called the Signoria. Officials were chosen by a complex lottery and rotational system to prevent tyranny. There were, though, intense factional struggles between elite families. In theory, it was a citizen republic, but in practice, it was controlled by wealthy merchant oligarchies.
In 1434, the Medici family rose to power under Cosimo de' Medici, heir to a line of successful bankers turned kingmakers. The Medici consolidated influence in Florence by quietly controlling its republican institutions rather than overthrowing them outright.
