Duchy of Florence

Duchy of Florence Ducato di Firenze (Italian)
1532–1569
Flag Coat of arms
The Duchy of Florence (green) in 1548
Capital	Florence 43°47′N 11°15′E / 43.783°N 11.250°E / 43.783; 11.250
Common languages	Italian
Religion	Catholic Church
Government	Monarchy
Duke of Florence
• 1532–1537	Alessandro
• 1537–1569	Cosimo I
History
• Established	1532
• Battle of Marciano	1554
• Elevated to Grand Duchy	1569
Currency	Florin
Preceded by Succeeded by Republic of Florence Republic of Siena Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Today part of	Italy

The Duchy of Florence (Italian: Ducato di Firenze) was an Italian principality that was centred on the city of Florence, in Tuscany, Italy. The duchy was founded after Pope Clement VII, himself a Medici, appointed his relative Alessandro de' Medici as Duke of the Florentine Republic, thereby transforming the Republic of Florence into a hereditary monarchy.^[1]

The second Duke, Cosimo I, established a strong Florentine navy and expanded his territory, purchasing Elba and conquering Siena. In 1569, Pope Pius V declared Cosimo Grand Duke of Tuscany. The Medici ruled the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until 1737.^[2]