Database: Poliziano

Date of Birth: 1454. Profession: Scholar, Poet.

Somewhat of a prodigy, Poliziano learned Italian and Greek at age 10, and by 18 had already become a published author. Lorenzo de' Medici hired him to act as the tutor for his children and made sure he received a post at the Studio Fiorentino.

Unfortunately, Poliziano must not have been everyone's favourite instructor. He died of arsenic poisoning in 1494, probably murdered by Piero de' Medici, his former student.