House of Altoviti
| House of Altoviti | |
|---|---|
| Noble family | |
 |
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| Country | Italy France |
| Titles | Marquis of the Roman Empire Count Palatine Patriarch of Athens Patriarch of Antioch Archbishop of Florence Archbishop of Fiesole Second Founder of Rome |
| Founded | 1200 |
| Founder | Marcus Furius Camillus (446 – 365 BC) Altovita Altoviti (1200 - 1250) |
| Cadet branches | Altoviti de' Medici Altoviti Avila Altoviti Sangalletti |
The Altoviti are a prominent Florentine noble family.
Since the Medieval they were one of the most distinguished banking and political families appointed to the highest offices of the Florentine Republic and patrons of Raphael, Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei.
By marriage they established alliances with dynasties of principal and papal nobility as the Medici, Cybo and Corsini.
Six popes have direct blood relations with the Altoviti; Innocent VIII, Leo X, Clement VII, Leo XI, Clement IX and Clement XII.
Pope Innocent VIII was the uncle of La Papessa Dianora Cybo Altoviti. Her son Bindo Altoviti became one of the most influential papal bankers and patron of the arts of the Renaissance.
The House of Altoviti is still present and possesses the title of marquis.
Their origins are subject of dispute among scholars.
Pope Pius II presumed the family would be of Roman origin as in some excavations in the countryside Fiesole was found a Roman inscription quoting Furio Cammillo Altovita grandson of Furio Camillo, Roman general, statesman and one of the most famous heroes of the early Roman Republic, honored with the title of Second Founder of Rome for his victory over the Gauls during the Gallic siege of Rome. The Furia (gens) were of Etruscan origin and held high offices in the Roman Republic. Furius Crassipes, quaestor in Bithynia, married Cicero's, daughter Tullia. Marcus Furius Camillus was Senator and Consul of Rome and Proconsul of Africa 8 AD. He was a friend of emperor Tiberius and awarded with triumphal honours. His daughter Livia Medullina was betrothed to future emperor Claudius.
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Wikipedia