Image from the National Gallery of Art . "Giuliano de'Medici" painted by Sandro Botticelli c. 1478/1480 On April 26, 1478, Giuliano de'Medici was assassinated. Giuliano and his brother Lorenzo were from the incredibly wealthy and influential Medici family, which exerted its power over the city of Florence. The brothers ruled Florence after their father, Piero de'Medici, passed away. The Medici family accumulated many rivals that desired their power, chief among them being the Pazzi family, which had experienced a decline in prestige as the Medici rose in status. On Easter Sunday in 1478, the Medici brothers attended mass at the Florence Cathedral, the "Duomo." Giuliano was stabbed several times by Franceso de'Pazzi, who had hidden a long dagger in his robes. An attempt was made to assassinate Lorenzo de'Medici as well, however he escaped. The assassination of Giuliano de'Medici and attempted assassination of Lorenzo...