Niccolo Machiavelli was a philosopher, writer and politician during the Italian Renaissance who was known for his political treatises. While he is perhaps best remembered for his political work The Prince, he was also a political leader, having spent time as the chancellor of the Republic of Florence before being ousted by the Medici Family and Pope Julius II.
The Prince
The book that Machiavelli is best known for is The Prince. The book is a political treatise on the methods by which a ruler (in this case The Prince) can achieve and retain power over his kingdom. With its emphasis on brute force and political conniving, Machiavelli's work was a milestone of pragmatism. Today, people who demonstrate ruthless tendencies in regards to power are often said to have "Machiavellian" tendencies.
Niccolo Machiavelli Background and Profiles
Historical Figure Timeline
May 3, 1469: Born, Florence, Italy
1494: Serves as clerk and ambassador
1500: Meets with Louis XII
1502: Envoy to Cesare Borgia
1506: Submits plan to reorganize the military, plan accepted
1512: Medici returns, dismisses Machiavelli from office
1516: Conspiracy rumors land him in prison where he is tortured and released | Writes The Prince
1520: The Art of War surfaces
June 20, 1527: Dies
References
Fast Facts
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Born
May 3, 1469
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Died
June 20, 1527
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Fact:
Often called "The Father of Modern Philosophy"
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Fact:
Commonly believed that he faked his own death
