Machiavelli and the Religion of the Ancients

Machiavelli’s Unexpected Muse: Unveiling the Platonic Roots of Power

Machiavellianism and Platonism are traditionally seen as opposing forces, like realism versus idealism, or might versus right. This book challenges that view, suggesting Machiavelli was more influenced by Platonism than Epicureanism.

During the Medici era, Platonism was shaped by Arabic/Islamic and Byzantine interpretations, presenting it as an “ancient theology” that offered an alternative to Christianity.…