A post-Middle Italy was afflicted by medieval wars and the bubonic plague. Change was needed to restore the vision of what Italy could become. This change occurred within a single family: that of the Medici, who helped restore glory and influence to Florence. The Medici saw the benefit of contributing to the advancement of the greatest minds of the time. This was evident in their patronage of leading artists such as Michelangelo and renowned teachers such as Galileo. The sphere of influence enjoyed by the Medici also extended to the political scene, which was then heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. The Medici were able to capitalize on the power of the Church and thanks to this influence and the use of "amici degli amici" or mutual favors from "friends of friends", the Medici family was able to usher in a new Italian era: the Renaissance. (Medici). Although not the only wealthy and ambitious family in Florence, the Medici were driven in their pursuits and did not achieve their success in the noblest of ways. Giovanni di Bicci de'Medici, patriarch of the Medici dynasty, founded and controlled one of Italy's most influential companies, the Medici Bank. Giovanni's development of the concept of limited liability and the establishment of a franchise system, in which the Medici Bank expanded into branches of banks whose managers became co-owners, helped make the Medici Bank a leader among competitors of the time. However, a key factor in the success of Giovanni's enterprise was the result of a bet on the return of the papacy to Rome, which he won. In return for his financial assistance, the Pope appointed him papal banker. With the Medici's ownership of the Pope's personal bank... middle of paper ...... surviving the test of time, its influence on the effects of the Renaissance has survived. This is evident in the evolution and periods of art, literature, music and intellectual works that have developed and flourished throughout history. An example of the importance of the Medici influence on the Renaissance can be seen at the Laurentian Library in Florence, designed by Michelangelo. The Medici family book collection is considered one of the most important and prestigious collections of ancient books in Italy. Additionally, many commissioned works, such as the Sistine Chapel, the David sculpture and the Last Judgment, are enjoyed by millions of tourists every year. It took a family like that of the Medici to bring about the Renaissance and it is thanks to the Renaissance that the influence of the Medici family continues..