Medici

Following years of stable power established by the late Cosimo, the Medici Bank, led by the 50-year-old Piero de' Medici, is in trouble.

After having to reveal to his father that he has taken his place as head of the family, Lorenzo and his mother Lucrezia go to Rome, seeking financial support from the pope.

The pope has died and has now been replaced by Sixtus IV. The new pontiff names the Pazzi cousin, Salviati, as archbishop of Pisa.

The death of the pope brings strategic challenges as Lorenzo negotiates with the Duke of Milan and welcomes his new bride, Clarice, to Florence.

These are happy times for the Medici: Lorenzo and Clarice have had a baby, and the new alliance with Francesco de' Pazzi guarantees a solid political axis for Florence with Venice and Milan.

As Lorenzo watches the long-sought alliance with Venice and Milan begin to falter, the Pazzi exploit the Medici's moment of weakness by fomenting insurrection in nearby Città di Castello.

Following yet another defeat, the Pazzi come to a decision: it's time to get rid of the Medici once and for all.

The Pazzi prepare to launch their final attack against the Medici family.