Salvestro de’ Medici

Florentine ruler

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June 30, 2026

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Salvestro de' Medici was a Florentine ruler who played a role in the Revolt of the Ciompi in 1378. He allied with the popolo minuto (common people) and was elected head of the government. After the rebellion's success, he benefited financially and politically. However, when the popular government fell in 1381, Salvestro was forced into exile. His memory persisted, as the people sought out his cousin to lead another uprising in 1393, though this attempt ultimately failed, marking the definitive disappearance of this branch of the Medici family from history.1

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Italy
Florence in the 14th century
In June of that year Salvestro de’ Medici, in an attempt to preserve his own power in government, stirred up the lower orders to attack the houses of his enemies among the patriciate. That action, coming at a time when large numbers of ex-soldiers were employed in the cloth industry,…
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In June of that year Salvestro de’ Medici, in an attempt to preserve his own power in government, stirred up the lower orders to attack the houses of his enemies among the patriciate. That action, coming at a time when large numbers of ex-soldiers were employed in the cloth industry,…
Read More