How Did Machiavelli Fake His Death?

When learning about European history, many students discover that Machiavelli was an interesting historical character, and want to understand how he faked his death.   Let's look into his interactions with others to learn more about the innovative ways in which this man behaved over time. 

There is much controversy surrounding Machiavelli and whether he did, in fact, fake his own death.

It certainly seems in character for him to do so – as an outspoken personality with harsh and rash ideas in his own political climate, he surely had enemies he wanted to ward off or escape. 

• We can imagine that he might have perpetuated rumors of his own death to steer clear of future problems that might ensue. 
• He might have sent letters to some confirming his own death when in fact he was alive and well. 
• He may have even had a more extravagant affair planned, but the truth is because of the way the correspondence worked within his time in Italy, there did not always have to be physical proof of death to effectively convince others that something criminal had taken place.

So, we do not know if or how Machiavelli faked his own death. All we have is some speculation on what he might have done, and plenty of facts on who he was.

Who Was Machiavelli?

Machiavelli was known for being an incredible Italian philosopher with a no-nonsense attitude during the beginnings of the Renaissance period, and his ideas have shaped much of political thought.

• Machiavelli was born as Niccolo di Bernardo del Machiavelli, and lived around the fifteenth century.
• His life was full of much political activity – and he was famous for his writings, especially his plays, his novels, and treatises. 
• He wrote about war in a way that was fascinating for all and continues to fascinate people to this day
• He talked about the government as a body, and wrote that the end sometimes justifies the means.  This famous quote is sometimes used to make immoral decisions because the benefit of doing so is so great.
• He is known especially for influencing politics in somewhat of a negative way:  he didn’t like to be easy or calm, but instead was quite of a firebrand and opinionated thinker. 
• He liked to discuss war and how to increase power through politics. 
• He is remembered as one of the most colorful characters of European history.

Machiavelli Writings and Influences

Machiavelli existed on the brink of the Renaissance period in Europe, when times were changing fast and new ideas were coming into existence. 

• Italy was a trade port nation, and although the country itself was still amalgamating and annexing certain territories together, it was known for wealth and trade. 
• This influx of goods also brought an influx of ideas to the area. 
• Machiavelli was therefore more exposed to these ideas than, say, someone who was a thinker but existed far to the north.
• He was able to communicate with others in person and via letters, which was common for thinkers of his day. 
• He also passed his manuscripts and short essays among his friends, soliciting opinions and comments.

Learning More About Machiavelli

Some of the most intriguing ways to learn about the Machiavelli is to look through the primary and secondary sources that are by the man and mention him.  His texts have been used as motivation and for studies by many of the world’s most famous politicians ever since he was alive. 

For more background information about Machiavelli, how Machiavelli faked his death, and for more facts and trivia about him, you can find his works referenced in almost any European History textbook. Countless biographies have also been written to share the details known about the man’s life and power.