I Take History With My Coffee Blog

Photos of Frombork Cathedral

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:07:42 +0000

The Copernicus Tower

Maps of East Prussia and the Bishopric of Warmia

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:00:13 +0000

Tusi Couple

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:28:24 +0000

Tusi couple - 13th century CE sketch by Nasir al-Din Tusi. Generates a linear motion as a sum of two circular motions. Invented for Tusi's planetary model.

An animated model of a Tusi couple

Ptolemaic Model of Solar System Diagrams

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 01:40:05 +0000

Celestial Sphere Diagrams

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 22:37:38 +0000

Maps of Constantinople

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:22:26 +0000

Ottoman Sultans 1300 - 1453

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:05:40 +0000

Osman I d. 1324?

Orhan 1324 - 1361

Murad I 1361 - 1389

Bayezid I 1389 - 1402

Mehmed I 1413 - 1421

Murad II 1421 - 1451

Mehmed II 1451 - 1481

Maps of Anatolia

Sat, 11 May 2024 14:45:00 +0000

Niccolò Machiavelli: The Enigma Unraveled

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:52:26 +0000

Niccolò Machiavelli, a name synonymous with political intrigue and strategic thinking, remains an enigma centuries after his death. In this exploration of his life and ideas, we unravel the mystery of the man who profoundly influenced Western political thought.

From Humility to Mastery: Machiavelli's Path

Born in 1469 into a family of modest means, Machiavelli's path to prominence began with a humanist education. At a time when the Renaissance was flourishing, he immersed himself in the writings of ancient philosophers, honing his analytical mind and developing a keen understanding of human nature.

The Making of a Political Philosopher

Machiavelli's political career began in Florence, where he served as a diplomat and secretary for the Florentine Republic. His observations of power dynamics and political machinations shaped his philosophical insights. Through his experiences, he witnessed firsthand the fragility of political institutions and the ruthless nature of those who sought power.

Machiavelli's Complex Character: Idealist and Pragmatist

Machiavelli is often portrayed as a cold and calculating pragmatist, but his writings reveal a more complex character. His political treatise, "The Prince," is known for its controversial advice on how to acquire and maintain power, but it also reflects his profound understanding of human nature and the limitations of utopian ideals.

Machiavelli's Encounters: Power and Insight

Machiavelli's encounters with influential figures, such as Cesare Borgia and Pope Julius II, further shaped his political philosophy. He witnessed the rise and fall of leaders, the complexities of military strategy, and the intricacies of papal politics. These encounters provided him with invaluable insights into the nature of power and the human condition.

The Birth of 'The Prince': A Political Masterpiece

In "The Prince," Machiavelli's most famous work, he distills his political wisdom into a concise and controversial guide. The treatise advocates for the use of deception, violence, and other seemingly immoral tactics to secure and maintain power. Its controversial ideas have sparked centuries of debate, challenging our understanding of morality and the nature of political leadership.

Machiavelli's Enduring Legacy: Influence on Governance and War

Machiavelli's ideas have had a profound influence on Western political thought. His analysis of power and human nature has been referenced and debated by scholars, statesmen, and military strategists for centuries. From the Renaissance to the modern era, his writings continue to shape our understanding of governance, diplomacy, and the conduct of war.

Conclusion

The enigma of Niccolò Machiavelli lies in the paradoxical nature of his character - a humanist who embraced realism, an idealist who accepted the harsh realities of politics. Through his writings, he provides a timeless examination of power, human nature, and the complexities of governance. As we delve into his life and ideas, we gain a deeper understanding of the man whose legacy continues to resonate in our political and social discourse.

To learn more about Niccolò Machiavelli, listen to our related episode, "Episode 43: Machiavelli the Man," available at: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/episode-43-machiavelli-the-man/

Key figures 1495 - 1513

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 17:10:50 +0000

Louis XII of France Pope Julius II

Ferdinand II of Aragon Emperor Maximilian I

Frederick I of Naples Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan

Leonardo Loredan, Doge of Venice Piero Soderini, Gonfaloniere of Florence

Kingdom of Naples

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:04:11 +0000

Medici family tree

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:03:38 +0000

Duchy of Milan

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:02:40 +0000

Habsburg Dynasty

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:02:00 +0000

Kings of Spain

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:00:38 +0000

Kings of France. House of Valois.

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 01:59:33 +0000

Battles of the Italian Wars 1495 - 1513

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 01:58:08 +0000

Allesandro Botticelli (1455-1510)

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 23:50:29 +0000

All photos Wikimedia Commons

Pallas Athena and the Centaur

Portrait of a Man with a Medal of Cosimo de Medici

Magnificent Madonna

Life of Moses from the Sistine Chapel

Birth of Venus

Primavera

Andrea del Verrochio (1435-1488)

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 23:45:59 +0000

All photos Wikimedia Commons

"David"

"Putto with a Dolphin"

"Lady with Flowers"

"Equestrian Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni"

"The Baptism of Christ"

"Tobias and the Angel"

"Bust of Giuliano de Medici"

Map of Italy, 1494

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:23:34 +0000

The Dome of Florence

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:09:44 +0000

Views from the lantern atop the dome

The herringbone brickwork

View of the ribs in the dome

Views inside dome

Brunelleschi's wooden model. In order to maintain secrecy, he left off important details.

floor plan of Santa Maria del Fiore

Donatello

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:30:00 +0000

All photos from Wikimedia Commons

Anonymous 16th-century portrait of Donatello. There are no contemporary portraits of the artist, so this likeness is questionable. The painter most likely copied from various existing models and rendered a more idealized picture.

Donatello's David, completed probably around 1440, first free-standing nude statue since the end of the Roman Empire. It is located in Florence in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello.

The Feast of Herod, bronze, on the Baptismal font of the Siena Baptistry

St. George Slaying the Dragon, originally in the Orsanmichele but now located at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello.

Map of Florence

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:21:00 +0000

The map is from Paul Strathern's "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance."

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL...