The document discusses the prominent de' Medici family of Florence, Italy from the 13th century to the 18th century. It describes how the family rose to power and wealth through banking and commerce. Key members discussed include Cosimo de' Medici, Lorenzo de' Medici, Pope Leo X, Cosimo I de' Medici, and Catherine de' Medici. It summarizes the family's patronage of art and literature during the Renaissance and their decline after several generations without an heir in the 16th century.