196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

In this episode, we reunite with an old friend of the show — Caterina Sforza, the indomitable “Tigress of Forlì.” From her, we follow the turbulent and violent early life of her son, Giovanni de’ Medici, known as Il Gran Diavolo — the Great Devil — a man whose passions, battles, and excesses would shape the future of both the Sforza and Medicidynasties.

We go through the tangled lineage and fiery temperament of one of Renaissance Italy’s most fascinating figures, tracing his path from rebellious youth to feared mercenary captain — and father to the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
  • The Birth of “Il Gran Diavolo” (1498) – Giovanni’s birth to Caterina Sforza and Giovanni “Il Popolano” de’ Medici, and the prophetic words that would define his life.
  • A Child of Chaos – His mother’s imprisonment by Cesare Borgia, his custody battles, and his violent childhood in Florence.
  • Love, Blood, and Family Ties – The marriage to Maria Salviati uniting two Medici branches, and the domestic discord that followed.
  • A Life of War and Vice – Duels, brothel fights, noble feuds, and the infamous bridge incident with the Orsini family.
  • From Rogue to Commander – His rise through the papal ranks, battlefield heroics, and growing legend as a fearless condottiero.
  • The Birth of Cosimo de’ Medici (1519) – The long-awaited heir who would one day found the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, born amid firelight celebrations across Italy.

Key Figures
  • Caterina Sforza – The formidable mother whose courage and intellect defined Giovanni’s heritage.
  • Giovanni de’ Medici “Il Popolano” – His father, from a cadet branch of the Medici family.
  • Maria Salviati – His loyal but neglected wife.
  • Giovanni della Stufa – The inseparable and scandalous companion.
  • Pope Leo X – Patron, relative, and pivotal figure in Giovanni’s military career.
  • Cosimo de’ Medici – The son who would carry the Medici name to new heights.

Closing Thought

From Caterina’s fierce independence to Giovanni’s reckless courage, this episode explores how blood, loyalty, and ambition intertwined in the crucible of Renaissance Italy — giving rise to a new generation destined to rule.

Jaksot(292)

100 – An interview the godfather of history podcasting and more

100 – An interview the godfather of history podcasting and more

For our 100th episode we have the wishes from fellow podcasters and an interview with Mike Duncan, creator of the History of Rome, Revolutions and the book "The Storm Before the Storm". We also have an interview with one of the starts of the A History of Italy sketches.

13 Loka 202048min

099 – The Visconti lose Milan and take it back again

099 – The Visconti lose Milan and take it back again

Matte Visconti tries to pass power to his son Galeazzo, who ends up making a mess and losing the city to the Della Torre for almost a decade before would-be Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII come sto Milan and puts the Visconti back in power for the next few centuries, despite their own best efforts to do each other in. We also see some rather annoyed popes and of course a battle with Italians on both sides as usual.

6 Loka 202021min

098 – The Visconti take Milan, Act 1

098 – The Visconti take Milan, Act 1

We see the rise of the Visconti family in Milan as they battle the power of the Della Torre for control over the city and subsequently much of Northern Italy. First however, I take a personal look at my relationship with Milan and tell the story of how my mother was an unwitting baby sitter to the Mafia.

28 Syys 202019min

Anti-mafia martyrs: Father Pino Puglisi

Anti-mafia martyrs: Father Pino Puglisi

words and culture, to give the citizens of his city schools, homes all the elements that are fundamental rights, stolen by the Mafia and then handed out as favours.

15 Syys 202025min

097 – Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy

097 – Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy

We have a look at the opus magna of Dante Alighieri, the Divine Comedy, before seeing him off to the end of his days and beyond, with the adventures of his corpse

8 Syys 202023min

Anti-mafia martyrs: Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa

Anti-mafia martyrs: Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa

On 3rd September, the anniversary of his death, we look at the struggle against organised crime of Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, general of the Italian Carabinieri police force who dedicated his life to the fight against terrorism and the Sicilian Mafia.

3 Syys 202035min

Anti-mafia martyrs series launch

Anti-mafia martyrs series launch

We are going to take a look at some of the brave men and women who have given their lives to fight organised crime in Italy. known as "Le Mafie", the mafias, which include Cosa Nostra, the 'Ndrangheta, the Stidda, the Sacra Corona Unita and the Camorra. On the anniversary of their deaths, we will look at the lives and struggle of people such as General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, Peppino Impastato, Pio La Torre, Giovanni Falcone, Paolo Borsellino and Don Pino Puglisi just to nae a few.

1 Syys 20206min

096 – Florence goes black and white and Dante gets involved

096 – Florence goes black and white and Dante gets involved

After definitively defeating the Ghibellines, the Florentine Guelphs need new enemies so they split into White and Black Guelphs, catching Dante Alighieri, who had entered politics just a few years before, in a crossfire that will have dire consequences. On a literary level, he starts to get the idea of a sort od mid life crisis travel book...

26 Elo 202018min

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