This chapter examines Machiavelli’s view of Girolamo Savonarola – an apocalyptic figure in fifteenth-century Florence – and apocalyptic thought more generally. Though the standard understanding of Machiavelli is that he dismisses Savonarola, a close reading of his writings reveals a respect for Savonarola and his apocalyptic message. Savonarola used his apocalyptic message to help found new orders – the highest human achievement according to Machiavelli. By drawing on the Christian idea of the new Jerusalem and Roman idea of the Eternal City, Savonarola instilled the republican government of Florence with deep religious meaning and political promise. Though Machiavelli sees Savonarola as a failed founder, his failure is not due to his apocalyptic message. Machiavelli recognizes the power of this message, but ultimately rejects apocalyptic hope because he cannot fathom achieving a lasting utopia in a world marked by decay and continual change.

The departure of Lorenzo and Giovanni di Pierfrancesco from their villas at Olmo and Cafaggiolo on 13–14 October had been triggered by yet another French deputation that had arrived in Florence ten days earlier. This time the envoy was met by Piero (with a present in hand) and Domenico Bonsi, and after later lengthy discussions with Piero and his secretary Dovizi, he and the French ambassador already in Florence were officially received by the Signoria on 7 October.1 Not awaiting an official reply, they both left on the 11th to join the king in Parma, with permission, however, to talk to Lorenzo and Giovanni di Pierfrancesco en route – who then fled their villas two or three days later.2 On 16 October, ‘having heard of the departure of Pierfrancesco’s sons’, the Otto di Pratica, with ten coopted citizens including Piero – the residual core of the inner elite – were summoned to what turned out to be their last recorded meeting to discuss what to do and what security measures should be taken.3