The Medici House was Italian banking family and a political dynasty that began to build a reputation in the first half of the 15th century under the name Cosimo de' Medici in the Republic of Florence. The family was born in the Mugello region of Tuscany and progressed progressively until it was able to finance Medici Bank. This bank was the largest in Europe during the 15th century, and it facilitated Medici in political power in Florence, although it officially remained citizens until the 16th century.
In 1532 the family became the Duke of Florence and this title was hereditary. In 1569, the Duke was elevated to the Grand Duke of Tuscany after territorial expansion. This was an example of economic growth under the first great Duke, but it went bankrupt until the time of Cosimo III de 'Medici (1670-1723).
Medicis's influence at the begining emerged from textile trade. Like other families who ruled, Medici dominated the city government, could bring Florence under their family power and created an environment in which art and humanism developed. They and other Italian families inspired the Italian Renaissance, such as Visconti and Sforza in Milan, Este in Ferrara and Gonzaga in Mantua.
