The Pazzi conspiracy is a notorious chapter in the tumultuous politics of Florence during the Renaissance. The Pazzi family, once a powerful banking family, sought to dethrone the Medici family from their prominent position in Florentine politics. They viewed Lorenzo de' Medici as a significant obstacle to their ambitions, as Lorenzo’s control over the city had been solidified through both political acumen and financial prowess. Planning a coup, they decided to target Lorenzo and his brother Giuliano during a public event to maximize the impact of their deeds and incite public support against the Medici.

On April 26, 1478, they timed their assault during High Mass at the Florence Cathedral, a highly attended and significant occasion. As the congregation gathered and Mass commenced, the Pazzi operatives, including Francesco de' Pazzi and relatives, executed their plotted scheme. Giuliano was brutally stabbed to death in front of shocked worshippers, while Lorenzo was injured but managed to escape, aided by loyal supporters. Lorenzo’s survival allowed him to regroup and later retaliate against the Pazzi, leading to a fierce crackdown on dissent in the city.

The aftermath of this conspiracy resulted in a severe retaliatory response from the Medici family. The powerful Medici clan re-established their dominance in Florence, further entrenching their position in the political landscape. The Pazzi family faced dire consequences, with many members executed or exiled, forever altering the political dynamic of Florence and leading to a more autocratic rule by the Medici family over the subsequent decades.