Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was an Italian diplomat, political philosopher, historian, and writer of the Renaissance period. Born in Florence, Italy, he became one of the most influential thinkers in political theory and realism. In 1498, Machiavelli was appointed to a senior diplomatic position in the Florentine Republic. During his career, he traveled across #Europe and observed powerful rulers, military strategies, and political systems.