Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 - June 21, 1527) was an Italian diplomat, political philosopher, musician, poet and playwright. He is most known for writing The Prince, Discourses on Livy, and the History of Florence - all commissioned by the Medici family. Machiavelli was born in Florence and in 1498, following the ouster and execution of Savonarola the Great Council elected Machiavelli as the Secretary to the second Chancery of the Republic of Florence. History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy is an excellent reference work for historians.