Pactianae coniurationis commentarium

The Pactianae coniurationis commentarium is a report written by the Italian poet and humanist Poliziano in 1478. It details the Pazzi conspiracy, an unsuccessful plot to overthrow the Medici rulers of Florence. The conspiracy, led by the rival Pazzi family, involved Pope Sixtus IV and the archbishop of Pisa, who resented Lorenzo de' Medici's political actions.12

On April 26, 1478, an assassination attempt was made on the Medici brothers during mass. Giuliano de' Medici was killed, but Lorenzo survived. The people of Florence supported the Medici, and the conspirators were swiftly punished. The failure of the plot strengthened Lorenzo's power and led to a war with the papacy. Poliziano, a friend and protégé of Lorenzo de' Medici, was present during the assassination attempt.12