How did French King Charles VIII’s invasion affect Medici rule in Florence?

The French invasion of Italy by King Charles VIII in 1494 had a catastrophic impact on the Medici family’s rule in Florence.

At the time, the city was led by Piero di Lorenzo de’ Medici, who had alienated the Florentine populace by abandoning the traditional French alliance in favor of Naples. When French forces entered Tuscany, Piero attempted to negotiate a settlement with Charles VIII. The resulting agreement was viewed by the citizens of Florence as a betrayal, sparking a revolt that forced Piero to flee the city and led to the sacking of the Medici Palace.12

Following the expulsion of the Medici, the popular party—backed by the French—declared Florence a republic. This transition ended the family's immediate political dominance and ushered in a period of influence for the reformer Girolamo Savonarola, who condemned the luxury of the previous Medici regime. The family remained in exile until 1512, when they were able to return to power with the support of papal and Spanish armies.31