Cosimo I, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, 1519-1574
Cosimo I de' Medici was the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. In 1537, he became Duke of Florence at age 17, following the assassination of a the duke descending from another branch of the Medici family. Unfamiliar with Florence and strong-willed, he refused to acquiesce to rule by counsel and therefore faced opposition. He was able to defeat disgruntled exiles and their adherents and to achieve recognition from Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, in exchange for support against the French during the Italian Wars (1495-1559). Thereafter, he was able to consolidate power in the Italian peninsula. He also enhanced Florentine naval capabilities. Pope Pius V (1504-1572) declared him Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1569. Soonthereafter he retired from political life, leaving rule of the Florentine state to his son and heir, Francesco I (1541-1587). He was an avid patron of the arts, best known for establishing the Uffizi museum, and had a passion for alchemy.
- HMML ID
- 960529832603
- PURL
- LC name
- Cosimo I, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, 1519-1574
- HMML name
- Cosimo I, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, 1519-1574
- Library of Congress
- VIAF
- Getty
Variants
- Casmus I.
- Cosimo de Medici
- Cosimo de Medici il vecchio
- Cosimo de'Medici, duc de Florence
- Cosimo de'Medici, grand duc de Toscane
- Cosimo I
- Cosimo I, de Medici, Il Grande, grand duke of Tuscany
- Cosimo I, de' Medici, il Grande, Grand Duke of Tuscany
- Cosimo I, Duca di Firenze
- Cosimo I, Duke of Florence
Name elements
- Given names
- Cosimo
- Family names
- Medici
Personal information
- Birth date
- 1519-06-12
- Death date
- 1574
- Centuries
- 16th century CE
- Gender
- Males
- Associated countries
- Associated places
- Occupations
- Fields of activity
- Honorary titles
- Grand Master ● Grand-Duke of Tuscany
- Languages
Affiliations
- Affiliation
- Sponsor of
Personal relationships
- Family
Preferred citation
Change notes
- Date added
- 2022-10-12
- Last edited
- 2024-12-03