According to the famous political theorist, Niccolò Machiavelli, “Those who rejoiced at Giovanni’s (di Bicci) death, now regretted it, perceiving what manner of man Cosimo was.”
Described as the greatest political boss in the history of political boss-ship, Cosimo – son of Giovanni - consolidated and improved the position of the Medici both in Florence and abroad. But his rise to power was not without a few major hiccups, including his arrest and exile. Ultimately, Cosimo would triumph over his enemies and be named the “Pater Patriae” (“Father of the Homeland”) of Florence.