Alessandro de' Medici, also known as Alessandro the Moor, was a significant figure in the history of Florence during the Renaissance. Born around 1510 or 1511, he was the Duke of Penne and the last ruler of the Republic of Florence from 1531 to 1537.
Alessandro was born to Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, and a servant named Simonetta da Collevecchio, who was either of African or Roman descent. His racial heritage has been a point of historical debate, with some contemporary accounts describing him as having dark skin, which earned him the nickname "Il Moro" (the Moor). Despite his lineage, he was recognized by his father's family, the Medici, and was educated accordingly, receiving the upbringing of a potential ruler.
After the death of Lorenzo de' Medici, the Medici family's influence waned, but Alessandro was eventually appointed as the head of the Florentine government by Pope Clement VII, who was also a Medici. This appointment came during the Sack of Rome in 1527 when the Medici were restored to power in Florence with the backing of Holy Roman Empire forces led by Charles V.
Upon his rise to power, Alessandro was made Duke of Florence in 1532 by Charles V, marking the end of the Florentine Republic and the establishment of a hereditary duchy. His rule was marked by authoritarian control, which was not well-received by many Florentines. He was known for his harsh measures to suppress opposition, including the exile or execution of political adversaries.
On January 6, 1537, Alessandro was assassinated by his cousin Lorenzino de' Medici, who claimed to be freeing Florence from tyranny. Following Alessandro's death, Cosimo I de' Medici took over as Duke of Florence, leading to a new era in Medici governance.