PIERO

See also:

• PIERO SODERINI (1450-1513)

SODERINI (1450-1513)  , Florentine statesman, was elected gonfalonier for life in 1502 by the Florentines, who wished to give greater stability to their republican institutions, which had been restored after the expulsion of Piero de' Medici and the martyrdom of Savonarola . His rule proved moderate and wise, although he had not the qualities of a great states-man . He introduced a system of national militia in the place of foreign mercenaries, and during his government the long war with Pisa was brought to a close with the capture of that city by the Florentines in 1509 . Grateful to France, who had assisted him, he always took the French side in Italian politics . But in 1512 the Medici with the help of a Spanish army returned to Florence, deposed Soderini and drove him into exile . He took refuge at Ragusa in Dalmatia, where he remained until the election of Pope Leo X., who summoned him to Rome and conferred many favours on him . Soderini lived in Rome, working for the good of Florence, to which he was never allowed to return, until his death .