Profile of the Day: Niccolò Machiavelli

On this day in 1469, Italian Renaissance historian and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli was born in the Republic of Florence. Today, he is remembered as one of the fathers of modern political theory.

Image: Niccolò Machiavelli / Wikimedia Commons

He was born during a tumultuous era when Italy was still divided into city-states. A strong proponent of a unified Italy, Machiavelli served for many years as a senior official for the Florentine Republic and dealt with diplomatic and military affairs.

However, after falling out of favor with the powerful Medici family, Machiavelli was accused of conspiring against them and imprisoned. It was during this time that he wrote his most notable work, The Prince. Published posthumously, The Prince described the ideal leader who ruled as a tyrant, where the ends justified the means. To this day, the word “Machiavellian” is often used to describe a cunning, ruthless, and unscrupulous politician.

How are you related to Niccolò Machiavelli? Explore his family tree and discover your connection to the Italian philosopher.

View Niccolò Machiavelli’s Geni Profile