In addition to this clairvoyance by right of which we call him prophet, the hold he took on Florence at a critical moment of Italian history is alone enough to entitle him to more than merely passing notice.
Girolamo Savonarola was born at Ferrara in 1452.[1] His grandfather Michele, a Paduan of noble family, had removed to the capital of the Este princes at the beginning of the fifteenth century.

There he held the office of court physician; and Girolamo was intended for the same profession.

But early in his boyhood the future prophet showed signs of disinclination for a worldly life, and an invincible dislike of the court.

Under the House of Este, Ferrara was famous throughout Italy for its gayety and splendor.

No city enjoyed more brilliant and more frequent public shows.