Asher Sisneros

Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) gained a reputation as a fiery preacher. His powerful speaking eventually led him to rise to prominence as a political and cultural critic. At his peak, Florentines considered him equivalent to the Old Testament prophets. Unfortunately for him, his success did not last forever, and at his low, he was executed as a heretic. 

Girolamo lived during an age when Florence was littered with corruption. The Italian city-state presented the facade of being a democracy where her people controlled the governmental affairs through fair elections. This, however, was a farce disguising the oligarchy that ran Florence from the shadows. 

The Medici family was at the forefront of this public lie. Giovanni Medici, the patriarch of the family, lived every politician’s dream. In the style of Machiavelli, he managed to play his cards so well that he held nearly every single political office there was in Florence during his illustrious career. His son, Cosimo (1389-1464), had different ambitions, however. Cosimo Medici built the family dynasty by amassing a sizable fortune through banking and mining. This wealth established his family as a powerful business force and solidified their position in the upper echelons of the aristocratic elite. That being said, his wealth came with many political perks. While he never had to run for office, Cosimo realized he could rule Florence as a dictator through bribery. His plan worked miraculously, and the Medici family possessed control over which candidates were permitted to get on the ballot. Bribery and ballot access enabled the Medici to single-handedly rule Florence as an oligarchy. 

The political corruption permeating Florence was the target of many critics, including Girolamo Savonarola. He publicly criticized the corruption, and the Medici were the focus of his attacks. In 1494, he even led a revolt to overthrow the dynasty. It was successful, and the Medici were thrown out of Florence during Girolamo’s life. 

In addition to fighting the Medici, Girolamo publicly criticized clergy for their corruption, the Renaissance as purely pagan, and the Pope himself as an anti-Christ. Girolamo’s sermons were successful, and they often left listeners spellbound. That being said, rubes were not the only ones impressed by Girolamo. He often impressed educated listeners and aristocrats as well. Many listeners were so impressed by him that they considered him as holy as the Old Testament prophets like Elijah and Elisha. 

This public image was only fueled by his “prophecies from God.” That being said, his prophecies were hardly prophecies. They were more like educated guesses, as many of his supposed prophecies never came true, yet he still claimed to be a prophet. By definition, this categorizes him as a false prophet. According to Old Testament law, false prophets deserve death. 

Savonarola’s success may have continued, but he chose the wrong enemy: Pope Alexander. This pope was notorious for his corruption and political ambitions. He even waged wars and betrayed King Charles during the Italian War. Alexander’s focus on worldly glory became a target of Girolamo Savonarola. However, this was a dangerous move, and Alexander excommunicated him and launched a slandering campaign. In response, Girolamo called together a council to depose Alexander as pope, but it failed miserably. The people were unwilling to replicate the events of the Western Schism. By 1498, the Florentine government was wearied by Girolamo, and killing him was politically advantageous. As such, he was executed and burned at the stake as a heretic.