Francesco Guicciardini (Florence, 1483- Arcetri, 1540) studied laws. Politician and historian, he was appointed ambassador of the Republic of Florence before Fernando the Catholic in 1511, a position he held until 1514 when he returned to Florence. Eclipsed by Machiavelli, he is the author of various works, all published posthumously by his own decision, including a monumental storia d’alia.