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)

055 – A new Roman Republic and a kind-of crusade

055 – A new Roman Republic and a kind-of crusade

1143 - 1147 n the first half of the 12th century, with communes popping up like mushrooms, Rome wasn't just gonna sit back and let them have all the fun. However, if there's something about Rome, it's that there is always a pope around.

13 Kesä 201919min

054 – A troubled new kingdom and cantankerous communes

054 – A troubled new kingdom and cantankerous communes

1130 - 1143 We accompany Duke Roger of Sicily, Puglia and Calabria in his attempt to set up a kingdom before we take a look around our spanking new communes.

7 Kesä 201922min

053 – Guelfs, Ghibellines and Normans with big ideas

053 – Guelfs, Ghibellines and Normans with big ideas

1122 - 1130 We finally get back to the chronological narration of Italian history, popping in to see a new Holy Roman Emperor, a new pope, or couple of popes and catch up with the ambitious Normans

29 Touko 201923min

052 – A wander around in the early 12th century

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051 – Communes rising

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We take a look at how a new form of local government, the Communes rose and gained their independence from the feudal powers that be,

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Recap 03: Episodes 28 – 50 from the year 1000 to the concordat of Worms in 1122

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1 Touko 201925min

050 – Arrivederci Arabs, the Emirate of Sicily part 2

050 – Arrivederci Arabs, the Emirate of Sicily part 2

We see the golden age of Muslim Sicily under the Fatimids and Kalbids before everything comes crashing down to to interval division and outside forces.

22 Huhti 201921min

049 – Arrivederci Arabs, the Emirate of Sicily part 1

049 – Arrivederci Arabs, the Emirate of Sicily part 1

We take a look back at the Arab invasione of Sicily starting with the early raids in the seventh century, through the invasion of 827 up to the fall of the Aghlabids in the early tenth century.

15 Huhti 201920min

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