In this episode, we reunite with an old friend of the show —&nbsp;Caterina Sforza, the indomitable “Tigress of Forlì.” From her, we follow the turbulent and violent early life of her son,&nbsp;Giovanni de’ Medici, known as&nbsp;Il Gran Diavolo&nbsp;— the Great Devil — a man whose passions, battles, and excesses would shape the future of both the&nbsp;Sforza&nbsp;and&nbsp;Medicidynasties.We go through the tangled lineage and fiery temperament of one of Renaissance Italy’s most fascinating figures, tracing his path from rebellious youth to feared mercenary captain — and father to the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.<h3>What You’ll Hear in This Episode</h3><ul><li>The Birth of “Il Gran Diavolo” (1498)&nbsp;– Giovanni’s birth to Caterina Sforza and Giovanni “Il Popolano” de’ Medici, and the prophetic words that would define his life.</li><li>A Child of Chaos&nbsp;– His mother’s imprisonment by Cesare Borgia, his custody battles, and his violent childhood in Florence.</li><li>Love, Blood, and Family Ties&nbsp;– The marriage to Maria Salviati uniting two Medici branches, and the domestic discord that followed.</li><li>A Life of War and Vice&nbsp;– Duels, brothel fights, noble feuds, and the infamous bridge incident with the Orsini family.</li><li>From Rogue to Commander&nbsp;– His rise through the papal ranks, battlefield heroics, and growing legend as a fearless condottiero.</li><li>The Birth of Cosimo de’ Medici (1519)&nbsp;– The long-awaited heir who would one day found the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, born amid firelight celebrations across Italy.</li></ul> <h3>Key Figures</h3><ul><li>Caterina Sforza&nbsp;– The formidable mother whose courage and intellect defined Giovanni’s heritage.</li><li>Giovanni de’ Medici “Il Popolano”&nbsp;– His father, from a cadet branch of the Medici family.</li><li>Maria Salviati&nbsp;– His loyal but neglected wife.</li><li>Giovanni della Stufa&nbsp;– The inseparable and scandalous companion.</li><li>Pope Leo X&nbsp;– Patron, relative, and pivotal figure in Giovanni’s military career.</li><li>Cosimo de’ Medici&nbsp;– The son who would carry the Medici name to new heights.</li></ul> <h3>Closing Thought</h3>From Caterina’s fierce independence to Giovanni’s reckless courage, this episode explores how blood, loyalty, and ambition intertwined in the crucible of Renaissance Italy — giving rise to a new generation destined to rule.

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196 - Giovanni of the Black Bands part 1: birth of a legend

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