Who is Savonarola from The Birth of Venus: A Novel and what is their importance? The_Birth_of_Venus_(novel) English & Literature Savonarola | The Birth of Venus: A Novel

Savonarola is a monk who has settled in Florence shortly before the death of Lorenzo de Medici. When Medici dies and his heir becomes an unpopular ruler, Savonarola begins preaching Armageddon from the pulpit and accuses the immoral rule of the Medici family for the downfall of Florence. In time, Savonarola becomes leader of Florence and he attempts to impose laws against the immoral. his includes burning objects of vanity, an event known in history as the bonfire of the vanities. In time, however, the church became tired of Savonarola's outrageous ways and the pope had him excommunicated. Not long after this, the people of Florence turn on Savonarola and he is hung.