The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance | Birth of a Dynasty (Episode 1)

A 2004 PBS Empire Special, History Documentary narrated by Massimo Marinoni. Audio in English with English subtitles (Click on CC).

From a small Italian community in 15th century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power. They would also ignite the most important cultural and artistic revolution in Western history - the European Renaissance. But the forces of change the Medici helped unleash would one day topple their ordered world.

Episode 1: Europe, 1400 - A continent torn apart by war and plague is dominated by the authority of the Catholic Church. In the towns and cities live merchants and entrepreneurs who sense that their world is changing. With increasing trade and wealth an appetite for enlightenment develops. No longer neglected in the shadows of the Church, classical philosophy, poetry, art and sculpture begin to reach a new audience. This is especially true in cosmopolitan cities like Florence, home of Cosimo de'Medici.

Episode 2: https://rumble.com/v4mg7qx-the-medici-godfathers-of-the-renaissance-the-magnificent-medici-episode-2.html