Niccolò Machiavelli - biography.

Niccolò Machiavelli - biography. Italian historian, statesman, and political philosopher Birth May 3, 1469 Place of Florence, Italy Birth Known for Writing The Prince, a book which described cunning and occasionally unscrupulous methods by which rulers could acquire power Creating realistic theories of political science Milestones 1498-1512 Served as secretary of the ten-man council that conducted the diplomatic negotiations and supervised the military operations of the republic 1512 Was removed from office when the Medici family returned to power in Florence and ended the republic 1513 Was imprisoned on suspicion of conspiracy against the new regime; was released and retired to the Florentine countryside to write; began his most famous work, The Prince, which was published in 1532 1521 Completed On the Art of War 1524 Published his comic play Mandragola 1525 Completed History of Florence Did You Machiavelli dedicated The Prince to the Medici rulers in the hope that they would allow him back into public life. Know Critics have judged Machiavelli harshly because his political theories advocated the use of unsavory means to secure desirable ends. One of Machiavelli's favorite themes emphasized the advantages of a citizen militia over mercenaries. True to his principles, Machiavelli organized a Florentine militia from 1503 to 1506. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.