Which 1478 Florentine conspiracy targeted the Medici brothers Lorenzo and Giuliano?

The 1478 Florentine conspiracy that targeted Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici was the Pazzi conspiracy.

The plot was organized by members of the Pazzi family and their allies, including Francesco de’ Pazzi and Archbishop Francesco Salviati. The conspirators attacked the brothers during Mass in Florence Cathedral on 26 April 1478.

Giuliano was killed, but Lorenzo escaped with wounds and took refuge in the sacristy. The failed coup strengthened Medici control over Florence and led to severe reprisals against the conspirators.

The episode is often remembered as a simple rivalry between two banking families, but papal and political interests also played important roles. Pope Sixtus IV supported actions against the Medici, although the full conspiracy involved several factions.