What happened during the Pazzi conspiracy of 1478?

The Pazzi conspiracy of April 26, 1478, was a violent, unsuccessful attempt by the rival Pazzi family to overthrow the Medici rulers of Florence.1

The plot was orchestrated by the Pazzi in league with Pope Sixtus IV, his nephew Girolamo Riario, and the archbishop of Pisa, Francesco Salviati, all of whom resented the influence of Lorenzo de’ Medici. During Easter mass at the Cathedral of Florence, conspirators attacked the Medici brothers. Giuliano de’ Medici was killed, but Lorenzo managed to escape into a sacristy.12

The coup failed as the Florentine people rallied to the Medici, ruthlessly pursuing the conspirators and killing many, including Archbishop Salviati, who was hanged from a window of the Palazzo Vecchio. The aftermath triggered a two-year war with the papacy, but ultimately, the event solidified Lorenzo’s power and demonstrated his strong support among the citizenry.12