Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did the Medici return to Florence in 1512?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Florence The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, in Florence.

The Medici family returned to power in Florence in 1512 following the intervention of the Holy League, an alliance organized by Pope Julius II to curtail French influence in Italy.12

The Florentine republic had remained allied with France after driving the Medici into exile in 1494, which led to the city's political isolation. In 1512, the Pope demanded that Florence join the Holy League, dismiss its existing leaders, and permit the return of the exiled Medici family. When the city refused to comply, a Spanish army was deployed to force submission, notably sacking the city of Prato in the process.13

Following this military pressure, the Medici returned to Florence in September 1512, reasserting their control over the city in a ruthless manner. This restoration marked the end of the republican government that had been established after the French invasion of 1494.413