The next generation of Medici, the sons of Bonaguinta,
Filippo, and Alamando (those born in the late thirteenth/early fourteenth
centuries) number no less than seven; among there number were many hard
working, devoted Florentine citizens, contributing to the growing glory of the
city, including two men who served as priors and, ultimately, as Gonfaloniers…Governors
of Florence.
With Ardingho, we find, for the first time, the name of his
wife (though pictorial family trees ‘connect’ offspring to the mother, previous
historical records give no indication of the names of the wives and mothers; a
telling omission in and of itself). Though little, in truth nothing, is known of
Gemma de’ Bardi herself, the Bardi would become an influential family in Florence,
in the realm of banking, no doubt influenced by the Medici themselves, though
never reaching the Medici scope and power. Known and interesting is the fact
that one of Gemma’s familial descendants, one Simone de’ Bardi would marry one
Beatrice Portinari (pictured), the Beatrice of Dante’s unrequited heart and the
inspiration for his Divine Comedy.
Little is known of Ardingho’s brother, Guccio who was
birthed late in his mother’s life and lived for only seventeen years.
Filippo was the busiest of his generation, giving birth to
four sons, the jackpot for a medieval Italian family. The oldest, Arrigo, appears
to be a persona non grata, as does his closest sibling, Alamanno (please keep
in mind that these men are not to be confused with men of the same names in
subsequent generations of the Medici, men who would make their mark on the world).
Third son, Giovanni—one of the first of many by that name—held the office of
Treasurer of the Commune; he did not marry or reproduce.
Cambio de’ Medici, the last-born son of Filippo seems to have
lived a quiet life out, perhaps holding the position of Prior at some point,
but doing so with little merit.
Alamanno’s only son Averedo I would be the offspring of his
generation to esteem the most distinction; making great use of his short life
of thirty-three years. Serving once as a Lord Prior, he served as Gonfaloniere
not once but twice, in 1299 and 1314. He also married well, to Mandina Argucci,
a prominent and long established Florentine family. Averedo was also the first
Medici to begin purchasing land, launching a vast operation of acquisition in
the Mugello area of the Florentine district, completing the circle of the Medici
family that began there. With Mandina, Averedo I would make the greatest
contribution yet to the Medici clan…giving birth to men who would not only
change the fortunes of the Medici family, but who would change the very
landscape of Florence itself.
