Latest / The Story of Italy: Rome, Renaissance, and the Birth of Modern Europe — Fexingo History
The Medici Bank: How a Family of Bankers Ruled Europe
Before the Medici became dukes and popes, they were bankers. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the rise of the Medici Bank, the most powerful financial institution of the 15th century. They trace its origins under Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, its expansion under Cosimo de' Medici, and its innovative business practices—from the holding company structure to the invention of the letter of credit. They discuss how the bank financed popes, kings, and cathedrals, and how its collapse in the 1490s foreshadowed modern banking crises. Along the way, they touch on key figures like…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.