Poggio and the Ideology of the Medici Regime

The chapter looks at how Poggio (1380–1459) went from early book hunting (the source of his fame today) to becoming the major ideologue of the Medici regime (without him, it was believed, Cosimo de’ Medici was feeble and weak). The chapter includes Poggio’s discussion of “true nobility” (nobility as revered by the traditionalists was nothing), the proper use of money, and the role of law and power. It explores Poggio’s materialist view of law, which is sometimes regarded as pre-Machiavellian. Also discussed are questions of gender and “social mingling,” what Burckhardt would later describe as the “equalization” of women and classes. Sources include Poggio’s letters, dialogues, and jokes (the Facetiae).