1520, Machiavelli finally got a job from the Medici

In 1520 Machiavelli was finally rewarded for his efforts: the Medici assigned him the task of writing the history of Florence. The Florentine Histories (Istorie fiorentine) is his longest work. It includes the period between years 375 and 1492, but the main focus is on the events that took place after 1434.

In the work Machiavelli follows the ideals of humanist historiography. He is not just reporting facts in a chronological order, but also adds to them and interprets them. The goal is not just to tell everyone “what really happened”, but also to find in particular historical incidents universal moral lessons: history is meant to elevate the reader[similar to the notion of progress in the Enlightenment]. Particularly notable are the invented speeches by important historical figures.

The Histories is Machiavelli’s last major work. It was completed in 1525 and presented to Clement VII, the Medici pope. In 1527, Rome fell, the Medici were again forced to leave both Rome and Florence, and Niccolò Machiavelli was again unemployed. He died later that year, and was buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce.

 Machiavelli’s grave. Florence, Basilica di Santa Croce.

http://www.timoroso.com/philosophy/machiavelli/introduction