PBS just showed a very beautifully filmed historical special on 'The Medici' (6 hours in length?) chronicling who they were, the entire dynasty, their rise to power, what they did (both good and bad), and how it affected both the secular and religious aspects of civilization at the time, and STILL echos today.
VERY recommended!
I have a question about this Simonetta. He said he decoded the letter according to information from a publication by his ancestor. Does that mean his own ancestor? Has anyone else looked at it and agreed with his interpretation of what it says and how it applies to the letter in question?