When was Girolamo Savonarola born and where did he grow up?
Girolamo Savonarola was born on the 21st of September 1452 in Ferrara to Niccolò di Michele and Elena. He studied at the University of Ferrara before joining the Dominican Order.
Questions about Girolamo Savonarola
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Girolamo Savonarola become a political leader in Florence?
King Charles VIII of France crossed the Alps with a formidable army in September 1494 throwing Italy into political chaos which allowed Girolamo Savonarola to lead a delegation to the French king's camp. A new constitution enfranchised the artisan class and granted every citizen in good standing the right to vote in the Consiglio Maggiore under his influence.
What happened when Pope Alexander VI excommunicated Girolamo Savonarola?
On the 12th of May 1497 Borgia Pope Alexander VI excommunicated Savonarola for heresy and sedition. When Savonarola defied the ban from further preaching his sermons became more violent in tone as he attacked secret enemies at home whom he rightly suspected of being in league with the papal Curia.
How did Girolamo Savonarola die and what happened to his remains?
On the morning of the 23rd of May 1498 three friars were led out into the main square where they were condemned as heretics and schismatics. To prevent devotees from searching for relics their ashes were carted away and scattered in the Arno River after being burned on separate gallows.
Did any historical figures defend Girolamo Savonarola after his death?
Early Protestant reformers including Martin Luther himself read some of the friar's writings and praised him as a martyr. A statue of Girolamo Savonarola was erected in Wittenberg the hometown of Martin Luther to honor him while Carafa Pope Paul IV declared that Savonarola was not a heretic in 1558 despite earlier condemnations.