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=Machiavelli= This is a picture of Niccolo Machiavelli. He was born in Florence in 1469, a period of instability. He learned about politics and became a pretty successful politician. He is most famous for books he wrote about politics. He died at age fifty eight in 1527.

Biography
Machiavelli was born in Florence in 1469. It was a tumultuous time, with constant war, shifting alliances, and power always changing hands. Foreign countries were battling for influence and control. As a child, he was taught rhetoric, grammar, and Latin. When Machiavelli was twenty five, Florence became a republic and ousted the ruling family. When he was twenty nine, He became head of the second chancery, an important position. This is strange, as he had never held political office before. He also became part of a diplomatic counsel involved in negotiation and military affairs. He went on several diplomatic missions to various places. In 1502 and 1503 he witnessed and was influenced by the way Cesare Borgia conquered and built his kingdom. He was responsible for Florence's militia from 1503 to 1506. Machiavelli did not like or trust mercenaries and auxiliaries. He preferred a militia that was invested in politics and made up of citizens. His militia defeated the forces of Pisa in 1509. Florentine was eventually defeated by its previous ruling family, the Pope, and Spanish troops. Machiavelli was stripped of office and, in 1513, accused of conspiracy. He was tortured, but denied involvement and was released. He then wrote the political works that he is famous for today. He died in 1527. His epitaph said " So great a name has no adequate praise."

Accomplishments and Works
Machiavelli held several influential political positions. Among them were head of the second chancery and member of an important diplomatic counsel. He was also head of the Florentine militia. He is, however most famous for his political books. His most famous book is "The Prince", an instruction manual for a prince about ruling his kingdom. Some people think "The Prince" is a satire. This is supported by the fact that it was not written in Latin, the language of scholars and leaders. Instead it was written in Italian, the language of the masses. However the methods in the book make sense, and there are several real world examples. Its purpose may have been to expose methods of ruling peasants to the peasants.

Why he was a Leader
His many successful years in political office show that he was politically smart. In a time where mercenaries were used almost universally, he did not use them. This idea was a good one and helped Florence to fend off opponents. But his greatest achievements were his books on politics. Many of his successful ideas are widely used today. Nowadays there are almost no mercenaries, and all politicians try to sculpt good images for themselves. Machiavelli's works profoundly changed society.