Cosimo 1 de medici biography of michael

Duke of Florence later Grand Duke of Tuscany (1537–1574)

"Cosimo I" redirects here. For the founder of the Medici dynasty, see Cosimo de' Medici.

Cosimo I de' Medici (12 June 1519 – 21 April 1574) was the second and last duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569, when he became the first grand duke of Tuscany, a title he held until his death.

Cosimo I succeeded his cousin to the duchy. He built the Uffizi (office) to organize his administration, and conquered Siena to consolidate Florence's rule in Tuscany.

Cosimo 1 de medici biography of michael jackson

He expanded the Pitti Palace and most of the Boboli Gardens were also laid out during his reign.

Life

Rise to power

Cosimo was born in Florence on 12 June 1519, the son of the famous condottiere Ludovico de' Medici (known as Giovanni delle Bande Nere) and his wife Maria Salviati, herself a granddaughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent.

He was the grandson of Caterina Sforza, the Countess of Forlì and Lady of Imola. Cosimo became Duke of Florence in