Maddalena de' Medici

Maddalena de' Medici was a daughter of Lorenzo de' Medici and Clarice Orsini. Born in Florence, she was educated with her siblings to the humanistic cultures by figures such as Angelo Poliziano. In February 1487, she was engaged to be married to Franceschetto Cybo, son of Pope Innocent VIII. They were married in January 1488, and she brought a dowry of 4000 ducats. This marriage brought closer connections for her family and the Vatican, helping her brother Giovanni get appointed as a cardinal. She used her influence with her father, her brother Piero, and the pope to help friends and poorer people get aid and positions within the church and governments.