Piero de’Medici “the Unfortunate”

Piero de’Medici also called “the Unfortunate” was a ruler of Florence who was considered responsible for the expulsion of the Medici family from Florence.

Born as the oldest son of Lorenzo de’Medici the Magnificent and Clarice Orsini, the young Piero was predestined to inherit the rule of Florence and the family business empire. He was 20 years old when he succeeded his father in that demanding post. But, due to his political and diplomatic unfitness he contributed to the persecution of the family and its downfall.

Faced with the increasing domestic and foreign intrigues that culminated in French invasion of Italy in 1494, Piero made an injudicious and unfavorable deal with Charles VIII without informing the government structure of Florence. Consequently, when his act was found out, the revolt broke out and Piero was forced to flee while the mob sacked the family palace. Soon afterwards he died by drowning in the Gargliano River in 1503. However, his youngest son Giugliano made his way back to Florence in 1512, after 18 years of exile.