# Cosimo de' Medici — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Cosimo de' Medici in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the Medici, Cosimo

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Founder of the Medici political dynasty in Florence.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Used as an example of a citizen whose rising influence was opposed, leading to his banishment and later return as prince.

### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lii)

Cited as an example of a citizen whose ambition could have been checked by enemies adopting his popular methods instead of banishing him.

### [Why it is that changes from freedom to servitude, and from servitude to freedom, are sometimes made without bloodshed, but at other times reek with blood.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/vii)

The Medici were overthrown in 1494 without injury to anyone save themselves, exemplifying a bloodless change.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/cosimo_de_medici
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters