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How did the Medici family return to Florence in 1512?

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A family tree diagram of the Medici family showing three branches: the minor branch, the principate, and the grand duchy, with names and dates for key family members organized in labeled sections.
Medici family

The Medici family returned to power in Florence in 1512 through the intervention of papal and Spanish military forces.1

Following their exile in 1494, the Medici remained politically isolated until Pope Julius II organized the Holy League against France. Because the Florentine republic remained faithful to its French alliance, the Pope demanded that Florence dismiss its leaders and allow the exiled family to return.2

The city was ultimately forced to submit after a Spanish army sacked the nearby town of Prato. Cardinal Giovanni deā€™ Medici (the future Pope Leo X) played a central role in orchestrating this restoration, utilizing his influence with the Pope and supervising the reestablishment of control. His brother, Giuliano deā€™ Medici, returned to the city in September 1512 to lead the government.234