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#1 Machiavelli was born in Florence in 1469. He first played an active role in the affairs of his native city in 1498, when the regime controlled by Savonarola fell from power. He was appointed second chancellor of the Florentine republic in June 1498.

#2 The Florentines began to call on their leading humanists to fill the most prestigious positions in the city government. The prevalence of these ideals explains how Machiavelli was able to be appointed at a young age to a position of considerable responsibility in the administration of the republic.

#3 Machiavelli's education was in the humanist Studia humanitatis, which consisted of the study of Latin and the imitating of the best models of classical style. He was also sent to complete his education at the university of Florence.

#4 Machiavelli's official position involved him in two sorts of duties. The second chancery, set up in 1437, mainly dealt with correspondence relating to the administration of Florence's own territories. But as head of this section, he also ranked as one of the six secretaries to the first chancellor, and was assigned the further task of serving the Ten of War, the committee responsible for the foreign and diplomatic relations of the republic.