Description

Perhaps the most fascinating and most gifted man of the Renaissance was Leonardo Da Vinci, born in April, 1452 some 60 miles from Florence, the son of his peasant mother Caterina and father Piero d’Antonio, a Florentine attorney of some means.

Leonardo’s boundless interests resulted in studies in the arts, sciences, medicine, geography, and even warfare. Leonardo always traveled with his notebook and writing instrument to keep record of his accumulated knowledge.

In 1502 Leonardo joined Cesare Borgia’s military organization in the Romagna. Borgia beginning his third campaign in the Romagna, wanted Da Vinci as a military engineer. Leonardo was to create topographical maps, build and equip fortresses, bridge or divert streams, and invent weapons of offense or defense. Leonardo’s sketches for new engines of war, tanks, flying machines, and conveyances for cannons, all interested Borgia.

In 1503 the death of Pope Alexander VI and poisoning of Cesare ended the Borgia campaigns. Once again in a life well-traveled, Leonardo had lost his patron. Subsequent service to the French crown, Da Vinci died in May 1519.