Savonarola

Question 1

Which Order did he belong to?

Answer 1

-preaching order of the Dominican.

Question 2

What where the main Orders?

Answer 2

-Dominican
-Franciscans
-Augustinians
-The Dominicans dominated the Inquisition.

Question 3

Where was he originally from? What was the effect of this?

Answer 3

-Ferrara
-His accent during his first experience in Florence in 1480s.

Question 4

Schooling?

Answer 4

-University educated - knowledgable in humanism and classical philosophy.

Question 5

Effect of Savonarola’s knowledge of the classics?

Answer 5

-Combined knowledge of classics and Holy scriptures gained him respect from Dominican colleagues and humanist.
-E.g. Pico della Mirandola.
-Late 1480s - appointed master of studies in Bologna (most prestigious university in Europe).

Question 6

Which position did he gain after 1 year of returning to Florence? When was this?

Answer 6

-Prior of San Marco 16 May 1491.

Question 7

Secular admirers of Savonarola?

Answer 7

Attracted respect of:
-Lorenzo de Medici
-Poliziano
-Botticelli
-Pico della Mirandola
-Ficino (for a while - break with Ficino when he refused to accept Plato’s teaching - Ficino had dedicated his life to reconciliation of Plato and Christianity late 1490s).

Question 8

What did Savonarola do before returning to Florence in 1490?

Answer 8

-itinerant preacher - centre and north of Italy.
-refined preaching skills, accent and gained knowledge of Italian politics (hence his later prophesies).

Question 9

Ideas in Savonarola’s visions/preachings?

Answer 9

-Inspired by Medieval approach on the basis of the old testament.
-need to repent
-abandon luxuries, gambling, prostitution, sodomy.
-Spoke on behalf of ‘simple folk’ and poor.
-puritanical change to make Florence ‘City of God’
-Threatening the wrath of god.
-Need of Florence to join ‘Ark of God’ - which his teachings provided.
-Saw himself as the ‘Voice of God’.
-visions of the ‘Black Cross’ over the Earth.
-Claimed he was visited by the Virgin Mary.
-Instilling fear of God in audiences.

Question 10

Political messages in Savonarola’s preaching?

Answer 10

-Spoke of political reforms and against tyranny.
-Supported the Signoria after the fall of Piero de Medici - to avoid civil unrest.

Question 11

When did Savonarola become a political leader?

Answer 11

-Fall of Piero de Medici 1494/5.
-became political leader.
-inspiring reforms: Republican Great Council of the 500 - building of a hall to host it.

Question 12

Savonarola’s Prophecies?

Answer 12

Predicted the death of Key Italian figures:
-Lorenzo - 1492
-Pope Innocent VIII - 1492
-King of Ferrante 1494.
Predicted arrival of invader that would renew the corrupted Roman Church:
-‘Scourge of God’ - King of France - Charles VIII - whose death he also predicted - 1498.
son of king charles VIII

Question 13

Savonarola’s books?

Answer 13

1495 - Compendium of Revelation.
(4 editions in Italian, 1 in Latin, 4 more in 1496 in Paris Germany and Constantinople)
1497 - Triumph of the Cross, and Treaties on the Government of the city of Florence.
Exposition- 1498

Question 14

Savonarola’s role in the French Invasion?

Answer 14

-Late ‘94 - 3 consecutive days of Sermons - Savonarola takes credit for speaking on behalf of god, for the truth of his prophecy ‘The Scourge of God’.
-‘Behold the Sword of the Lord striking and swift’
-Italy and Florence deserve punishment for sins: lust, envy pride.
-This fits with Charles VII invasion - he seems to fulfill the prophecy.
-Sav offers possibility of salvation to Florence - like gods Ark.

Question 15

Actions of of Piero de Medici in French invasion?

Answer 15

-Florence and Signoria against his decisions.
-Piero ride to Charles VIII - attempt to make a peace treaty.
-Meeting - unsuccessful: has to open Florence to french troops - 200,000 Florins to French army.
-Piero returns - protected by Orsini and mercenaries - unwelcome reception - lead to Florence on brink of civil war.
-Piero forced to withdraw in palace - Signoria decrees anyone fighting on Medici’s side - condemned to death.
-Piero and Giovanni collect valuables - leave Florence - certain valuable left at San Marco - for Pico and Ficino.

Question 16

Actions of Signoria/Savonarola in the French Invasion?

Answer 16

-Signoria opposed to Piero de Medici.
-Gonfaloniere and Signoria - summon Council of 70.
-Send 4 ambassadors led by Savonarola to Charles VIII.

Question 17

Relevance of Calumny of Apelles?

Answer 17

-Botticelli
-Inspired by rumors that Savonarola was acting agains Piero.
-allegory where suspicion and ignorance drag along the wrongly accused.
-Apelles - finest painter of anciet world - wrongly accused.

Question 18

The wrath f Florence against the Medici?

Answer 18

-San Gallo monastrey - burnt to the ground - paid for by Medici - contained art - and had been planned by Brunelleschi.
-record of debts Burnt - Medici bank in crisis.
-

Question 19

The French in Florence?

Answer 19

-Enter Pisa as liberators from the Medici Florence rule.
-Charles VIII - ‘welcomed as ‘scourge of God’.
-Charles enter Florence - bargain with Signoria - gets him 120K gold Florins.
-french troops leave after Savonarola’s exhortation to continue their mission to Naples.

Question 20

Savonarola on the French in Florence?

Answer 20

Sermons:
-Every man in Florence to keep his place
-Not everyone has the aptitude to govern
-Nor harm from Charles VIII
-Florence is the ‘Ark of Salvation’
Comes across as:
-truthful prophet
-the defender of order in Florence
-protector of Florence against the French.

Question 21

Bargain between Signoria and Charles VIII?

Answer 21

-Was promised 200,000 by Piero.
-Signoria told him unless he accepted 120k instead - they would call the Florentines of French troops.

Question 22

French army included who?
How was it viewed by contemporary Italians?

Answer 22

French Army: 10,000.
included:
-7000 Swiss infantry mercenaries.
-Dalmatian troops.
-Bretons.
-Scots.
Considered:
-Barbaric and Bestial.
-Florentine feared they would Sack the city.

Question 23

French Army in Rome?

Answer 23

-Charles VIII - forced pope out of his fortress by cannon.
-Could not act against Alexander VI due to his religious beliefs.
-Alexander - 19 mules with gifts - get Charles out of Rome.
-Cesare Borgia - forced to accompany Charles VIII - escaped with 1/2 of gifts - other boxes mostly empty.

Question 24

The French in Naples?

Answer 24

-took over Naples
-left by May 1495 - when Ferrante II was welcomed back by Naples.
-Army spread syphilis from Naples to North of Italy as they moved North.

Question 25

The Holy League

Answer 25

-mid/late 1490s - included Venice, Rome, Milan, Naples and HRE - Florence not during Savonarola's time. -Summoned by Alexander VI called Holy League against French. -Unable to stop their return to Florence - but did clash - Charles lost most stolen treasures. -Pope blamed Florence's lack of participation for failure of league.

Question 26

Holy League and Piero de Medici?

Answer 26

1511 Holy League - defeated French in 1512 - Forced Florence to take back Piero de Medici.

Question 27

Savonarola - punishment of God for Charles the VIII failure?

Answer 27

-warned Charles he would be punished if he did not complete the Scourge of God. -premature death of his son in 1496. -another fulfillment of Savonarola's prophecies.

Question 28

Government in Florence after fall of Piero?

Answer 28

-Medici lost support in Florence -Signoria - inspired by direct action and preaching of Savonarola called Parlamento. -got rid of council of 70-100 (Medici made). -set up Great Council by open election (every male over 29) - probably first time since Ancient Athens.

Question 29

Anti-Savonarola factions?

Answer 29

The Arrabiati (enraged ones): - Resented Savonarola's involvement in the secular government. -main anti-Savonarola group. The Bianchi: -the whites -glad medici had gone - but did not want Savonarola in secular government. The Teipidi: -Against Savonarola - supported by permissive clergy. The Bigi: -The Greys -Plotting for return of the Medici. -Piero failed to return power of the Medici in 1497 - lack of support in Florence. The Compagnacci -proactively harassing Savonarola's supporters. -Involved in the Seige of San Marco - leading to capture of Savonarola - 1498

Question 30

Pro-Savonarola factions?

Answer 30

The Piagnoni -The Wailers -main supporters of Savonarola. -broad group - included very destitute, also likes of Botticelli, and members of Signoria. -Savonarola made sure voices of Piagoni were heard/represented in the Great Council. The Frateschi -the Friar's men -San Marco's monks and other intellectual. "Bully boys" -had to be escorted during the period to avoid his likely assassination.

Question 31

Who paid and who built the Hall for the great council of 500?

Answer 31

-Employed by Savonarola -Simone del Pollaiulo.

Question 32

Savonarola's sermons influencing Florentine politics after fall of the Medici?

Answer 32

-Preached for love of God -for good government to diminish the factional struggle in Florence after fall of Medici. -Struggle had caused anti-Medici sentiments - lead to violence against Medici supporters.

Question 33

Savonarola 'Compendium of Revelations'

Answer 33

-written in 1495 -4 editions in Italian within 3 weeks of publication. -Discusses corruption of the Church - need for renewal. -Origin of his prophecies (satan or god?). -mythical journey to visit The Virgin Mary in Heaven, accompanied by simplicity, prayer, and patience. -echoes Dante's journey in the Divine Comedy.

Question 34

Political Isolation of Florence under Savonarola

Answer 34

-French Invasion and launch of Holy League - Florence isolated politically. -Savonarola - Keep Florence Florence allied to France - stayed in contact with Charles VIII - encouraging him to fulfill role of the Scourge of God - to avoid gods punishment. -Premature death of Charles' son - meant he would not lead another expedition into Italy - Savonarola was even more politically isolated.

Question 35

Economic Struggle in Florence under Savonarola?

Answer 35

-French Invasion liberated Pisa and Livorno from Florence. -meant Florence lost control over overseas trade - Pisa on the same river as Florence (Arno) - put is closer to the sea. -Bad weather, bad harvests - led to shortages of food + high prices. -In addition Florence was hit by Plague. -Political Isolation meant Pisa was protected by Holy League and France's attempt to supply Florence - stopped by Venetia Blockade.

Question 36

Savonarola - changing the habits of Florentines - after fall of the Medici

Answer 36

-preach repentance - necessary change for Florence to return to former glory. -Many did not see this prophecy close to realisation - due to political and economic struggles. -Savonarola suggested present state of Florence due to lack of repentance -Preached the rejection of worldly pleasures - especially during carnival season - traditionally excessive.

Question 37

Bonfire of the Vanities

Answer 37

-1497 - Piazza della Signoria -took place during traditionally excessive hedonistic carnival season. -Savonarola organised charity collection and hymn singing. -Culminated wit BoV Luxury goods were burnt: -Art -Jewelry -mirrors -parfumes -wigs -cards -dice -secular books -Painting of the Virgin "dressed as a prostitute". -statues -Boccacios's 'Scurrilous Tales'. -Petrarch 'Love poems' -Musical instruments. Affected patronage of the Arts and many artists left. -Venetia merchant offered 22000 ducats rescue all the goods - was refused - Florence's economic situation needed the money.

Question 38

Savonarola - increasing pressure from Rome

Answer 38

-Alexander VI - blamed Florence for Charles VIII escape. -1495-1498 - the Pope sent briefs warning Savonarola to suspend his preaching. -Another Brief placed Tuscan Dominican order back under Millan - took away Savonarola's independence. - Did not excommunicate him till 1497 - due to threat from France which supported Florence - ceased after Charle's son died.

Question 39

Piero fails to retake Florence

Answer 39

-Had some support - not enough. -attempt in 1497 failed - Piero returned to Siena.

Question 40

Was Savonarola a humanist? Renaissance man?

Answer 40

-he knew the works of the humanist - however often found their themes counter to Christian life - E.g. Popular vulgar themes of Boccacio or Love sonnets of Petrarch. -Had a University education - prestigious university of Bologna. -friends with many humanists/Renaissance figures - met Lorenzo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Ficino and more. -used his knowledge of the past and adapted it to fit the present - his primary inspiration was The Old Testament but how and what he preached changed depending on circumstances.

Question 41

Savonarola's view on the Classics? Renaissance man?

Answer 41

-he knew the classics - enough to impress humanist - Pico, Ficino and Poliziano. -Knew the classics enough to argue his points - however set them below other Christian authors. -Holy Scriptures remained his first source of knowledge.

Question 42

Did he promote Renaissance values in Art, literature and politics? Renaissance man?

Answer 42

-not much - however did preach for the renewal of the Florentines way of life and their politics - often just referring to repentance.

Question 43

Was he innovative? Renaissance man?

Answer 43

-Change he promoted in Government brought city back to it's republican roots - arguably more like the ancient ideal - E.g. Ancient Athens.

Question 44

Was he proactively involved in politics? Renaissance man?

Answer 44

-Definitely -moved Florence back to Republicanism - after fall of Piero de Medici. -Creation of the Great council of 500. -male of 29 had sufferage. -But his intent was not a secular active life in politics - it was to make Florence to the City of God.

Question 45

The art market under Savonarola?

Answer 45

-Economic decline in Florence following the death of Lorenzo. -worsened by: Civic unrest, lack of supplies, Price rises, bad harvest, outbreak of the plague. -affect art patronage - many artist sought patronage elsewhere. -Market for painting nearly ceased under Savonarola.

Question 46

Michelangelo under Savonarola?

Answer 46

-Michelangelo = very touched by Savonarola's teaching - no evidence it affected his painting though. -As a young man - practiced sculpturing skills at San Marco - where he heard Savonarola. -looking for work - employed by Piero di Francesco de' Medici - to make a fake Roman sculpture - to be sold to a connoisseur (Cardinal Ridrio) - found his work was not original but employed him for 3 years in Rome. -Included religious and pagan work - 'Pieta', Bacchus and David - would not have been possible if he stayed in Florence - 'City of God'.

Question 47

Savonarola's view on art?

Answer 47

-critical of the vulgarity and lasciviousness of Renaissance art - promoting it's destruction in the bonfire of the Vanities. -Artist Batholomeo dela porta - offered his paintings to the Bonfire - became a friar in 1500 - however did continue to paint - very influential to Raphael.

Question 48

Botticelli under Savonarola?

Answer 48

-close "disciple of Savonarola" - still close to the Medicis. -persuaded to quit painting by Savonarola - and gave his work to the Bonfire. -took up painting later on - yet changed his subjects to more religious ones. -According to Vasari - was unable to make a living - ended up poor - and relied on charity to survive.

Question 49

Savonarola and Ficino?

Answer 49

-Ficino promoted idea of original truth - that had inspired both Classic and Christian authors. -Attempted, unsuccessfully to convince Sav that Plato could be reconciled with christianity. -Savonarola believed Plato's later works to be heretical. -ended their friendship.

Question 50

Situational factors leading to the fall of Savonarola?

Answer 50

-Florence - politically isolated - France persuaded to join the HolyLeague in 1497. -Economic: high prices, bad harvest, Pisa antagonism cause shortages, plague. -Republican change - yet Florence still in factions.

Question 51

Savonarola - a divisive figure - the fall of Savonarola,

Answer 51

-Worshiped, respected by many, hated by others. His sermons provoked Hope: -Florence - glorious future. And Dispair: -Florence must repent/purify His sermons incited violence, when referring to the Arrabbiatti: 'the time for mercy is past... take up your swords... cut the heads of anyone who opposes the Republic... like the ancient Roman with Tarquin'.

Question 52

What was the basis of Savonarola's power?

Answer 52

-direct access to thousands with his sermons. -Alliance/support of the French - King Charles VIII. -The support of the Signoria. -His real political and cultural influence.

Question 53

Basis of Savonarola's power: direct access to thousands with his sermons.

Answer 53

-preach to an afflicted audience, christian-minded, superstitious, wishing a way out of their misery (mentioned in issues in Florence). -Spoke without contradiction by anyones.

Question 54

Basis of Savonarola's power: Alliance/support of the French - King Charles VIII.

Answer 54

-However not entirely reliable. -Charles left Italy without removing pope - disappointment to Sav. -Pope Alexander VI - eventually succeeded in convincing France to join Holy League - changed in fortune for Savonarola - Florence further politically isolated.

Question 55

Basis of Savonarola's power: The support of the Signoria.

Answer 55

-This was also unreliable. -between 1495-1498 - majority of the Signoria and gonfaloniere were Piagoni -However at times they were Arrabbiati - so Florence's government would be against Savonarola. 1948 - sequence of Arrabbaiati Gonfalonieri.

Question 56

Basis of Savonarola's power: His real political and cultural influence.

Answer 56

Political: -proactively determined the creation of the Great Council of 500 and the Hall of the 500. Cultural: -affected habits of the Florentines. -Change carnival celebrations - BoV. -1st meeting of the great Council - December 1494 - passed a law of death penalty for Sodomy - although only 1 person ever condemned in the 3 years. -Used Catechism (religious youth groups in the form of questions and answers to instruct the young) to organise and radicalise the youth 12-18 - instructed the Friars of San Marco to indoctrinate the youth. -Youth groups particularly proactive in promoting Sav's idea during Carnioval season (E.g. BoV) - go around collecting charity, items to burn, sing hymns, appeared evidence of 'City of God'.

Question 57

features of the Traditional festival which Savonarola replaced with charity, BoV and hymn singing?

Answer 57

-Based on pre-christian celebration -a pagan festival -wild revelries -bawdy episodes -lewd antics -obscene ditties -bacchanalian dances -rudeness -ritual stone-throwing. -fights

Question 58

What happened before 1498? -the fall of Savonarola - 6 events.

Answer 58

1) Savonarola literary output: -2 books in 6 months. -Triumph of the cross: prefigured the rationalist themes of the later period - his solutions were fundamentally medieval. -treaty on the rule and government of the city of Florence: no tyranny, no popular anarchy, the best government is the absolute of a righteous man. 2) Collection of the BoV - met by public resentment. 3) Dominican friar Domenico da Pescia - delivered sermon on behalf of Savonarola: -to appease the pope the Signoria advised Sav to stop preaching directly. 4) Vatican threatened to excommunicate Florence if Sav was not sent to Rome. 5) Savonarola writes to European rulers - suggesting to summon a Council of the Church to depose Alexander VI: -managed to smuggle letters secretly - however the 2 sent to Charles VIII - intercepted - sold to Sforza - who gave to the pope. 6) In Florence - a few consecutive Arrabbiati - Gonfalonieri.

Question 59

The role of Pope Alexander VI Borgia - in the fall of Savonarola. What issue did Pope Alexander VI Borgia have with Savonarola?

Answer 59

-His sermons often referred to the corruption of the Roman Curia - the Pope in particular - although Sav avoided naming Innocent VIII and Alexander VI (Know for his corruption - openly having children and mistresses living in the Vatican. -The theme of corruption of Roman curia - not uncommon at the time - many authors encouraged a need for renewal of the Church. In addition: -Sav often referred to himself 'Voice of God' - resulting in constant accusations of heresy. Role in French invasion increased tensions with the Church: -Prophesised - Charles VIII - 'Scourge of God' - sent to renew the Church.

Question 60

The role of Pope Alexander VI Borgia - in the fall of Savonarola. Popes actions against Savonarola?

Answer 60

- sent indirect warnings and official Briefs - telling Sav to stop preaching 'in private and public'. -Pending investigation on his teachings - Savonarola responded orally (in his sermons made reference to his imminate matyrdom 'I will be cut to peices') and in writing while continuing to preach. -Sav was called to Rome - declined due to poor health and risks of journey involved. -Sav ordered to submit to Dominican order of Milan - form which he had become indipendant. -Due to Sav's political isolation and Franch invasion becoming less likely - the Pope excommunicated Sav in 1947 - meant he was banned from preaching and administrating the Holy Communion - Sav refused to comply - said he was accused without proof.

Question 61

Growing contest against Savonarola's ways in Florence (1947)?

Answer 61

-Signoria increasingly worried by tension between Sav and the Pope - which may have impacted Florence as a whole. -in Jan 1497 - Gonfalonieri lowered voting age - resulted in - young, hedonistic men were able to contribute to the Signoria - more likely to detest Savonarola's puritanical ways. -Sav's excommunication - tilted balance of consent to Sav's ways: -Signoria relaxed prohibition - started a new Palio-vace, public "entertainment" reappeared - rise in the ridiculing of Piagoni.

Question 62

The Fall of Savonarola: Why did the Ordeal by Fire happen?

Answer 62

-in 1497 a Franciscan Friar - Francesco da Puglia, had challenged Sav to an Ordeal by fire. -Later in 1498 - challenge resurfaced - taken by a faithful diciple of Sav - Friar Domenico da Pescia - although Sav dismissed it as superstitious practice. -Was consider out of date, backward practive - however the pro-arrabbiati Signoria - considered it. -La Pratica (selected group of great council) - considering ordeal - Pope Alexander VI - did not consent official - however saw it as a way to defeat Sav. Those pro-ordeal: -Saw it as a way to rid Florence of Savonarola. Those anti-ordeal: -Worried for turmoil it would cause. -Worried Florence would become a laughing stock for accepting it. Signoria - decided to go ahead.

Question 63

Events of Ordeal by Fire on the day?

Answer 63

7 of April 1498 -huge crowd waited in Piazza della Signoria. -sudden rainstorm fell on open flames - the Ordeal was cancelled. -Event viewed symbolically as god being displeased with the Ordeal. -However affected the miraculous reputation of Sav - the Piagoni expected him to win miraculously.

Question 64

The Fall of Savonarola: The Siege of San Marco

Answer 64

8 April 1498 (day after ordeal) -anti-sav factions organise attack on Piagoni - Dominicans lock themselves in Monastery - under Seige by a crowd of Arrabbiati and Compagnacci. -Seige breaks through - took Sav to the Signoria. -Sav, da Pescia, and Mariano Ughi - put under arrest. -Signoria pardoned all people involved in Siege and the following descration of the monastery.

Question 65

The Fall of Savonarola: Trial and Torture

Answer 65

-Purpose of the trial was to extract a confession that would justify an accusation of treason or heresy. -Medici supporter was interrogator - 'Ser Ceccone'. -Torture included strappado - and inspection of his genitals - due to an astrologers prediciton of the hermaphrodite prophet. -Savonarola gave in - signed confession: recanting his beliefs, and even denying that his prophecies had been sent by God Himself.

Question 66

The Fall of Savonarola: Judgement

Answer 66

-Judgement requested by the Pope - Signoria at this point was all arrabbiati. -the 3 monks condemned as heretics and schismatics. -stripped of their priesthood and hanged and burnt 23 May 1498.

Question 67

Savonarola 'Exposition'?

Answer 67

-wrote in captivity. -expressed his dissatisfaction with the corrupt church and hierarchy. -Within 2 years - editions in German, Italian and Latin.