The Rise of Bernardo Bini
One of the most intriguing financial and political episodes of the Renaissance is the saga of the Bini family and their dealings with the papacy. Bernardo Bini, a brilliant banker from the esteemed Florentine family, was appointed treasurer by Pope Leo X. However, the Apostolic Chamber seemed to have more trouble repaying the 156,000 ducats owed to the Bini family than a cat would have parting with its favorite ball of yarn.
Pope Leo X’s Controversial Strategy
Pope Leo X, seemingly thinking that he could simply “sell” the Curia as one would with lottery tickets, devised a plan to clear the debt by selling vacant church offices. The idea was to gather between 156,000 and 176,000 ducats within four years—a truly ambitious scheme!
Collateral in the Form of Papal Jewels
To ensure the agreement was honored, Leo X handed over a valuable trove of papal jewels to the Bini, including a triregnum (the papal tiara). But when the Pope passed away, the Bini, ever-savvy Florentines, promptly sent the triregnum to Florence and refused to return it. They dismissed the threats of excommunication as casually as one would decline an invitation to tea.
The Signoria’s Intervention
It was only when the Florentine Signoria applied some pressure that the tiara was finally returned to Rome—though, unsurprisingly, many of its precious gems were missing.
A Lesson in Renaissance Politics
This fascinating episode serves as a perfect example of the intricate financial and political dynamics of the era, demonstrating how ecclesiastical assets were often leveraged as collateral for contracts that were anything but divine.
If you love uncovering hidden historical intrigues, stay tuned for more insights into Florence’s fascinating past!
