Born Bartolomeo Sacchi in 1421 at Piadena, the man later known as il Platina transitioned from a career as a private soldier to becoming a pivotal figure in the Roman literary scene. Through his tenure as the first Prefect of the Vatican Library, he left a lasting mark on historiography and European culinary history.
Early Career and Education
Before his scholarly pursuits, Platina spent four years as a soldier in the armies of Francesco I Sforza and Francesco Piccinino. He later sought education in Florence, where he studied Greek under the Byzantine scholar John Argyropulos. During this period, he established connections with prominent figures including the Medici family and Cardinal Bessarion, while serving as a tutor to the sons of Ludovico III Gonzaga.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Papal Conflict and Imprisonment
In 1464, Platina purchased a position as a papal writer under Pius II. When Pope Paul II succeeded the throne and revoked previous ordinances, Platina faced professional displacement and subsequent imprisonment in the Castel Sant'Angelo. He was detained again in 1468 following accusations that the Roman Academy, to which he belonged, was plotting against the Pope. Although conspiracy charges were dismissed, the academy members were found guilty of immorality.
Historical and Culinary Contributions
Under the patronage of Pope Sixtus IV, Platina was appointed as the first Vatican librarian in 1475. He authored the Lives of the Popes, a significant, albeit biased, historical work that heavily criticized Paul II. Beyond his historical writings, he gained recognition for On Right Pleasure and Good Health, which is considered the first printed cookbook. His other notable works include De falso et vero bono and a history of the Gonzaga family.
Legacy and Death
Platina remained in Rome until his death in 1481. He was interred in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. His influence on historical perception remained substantial for centuries, and he is immortalized in the Pinacoteca Vaticana through a fresco by Melozzo da Forlì, depicting his appointment as librarian by Sixtus IV.
Fast facts
- Born: 1421, Piadena
- Died: 1481, Rome
- Buried: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Positions: Prefect of the Vatican Library
- Notable work: Lives of the Popes
- Notable work: On Right Pleasure and Good Health
- Languages: Renaissance Latin, medieval Italian
Questions readers ask
What was Platina's role in the Vatican Library?
He served as the first Prefect of the Vatican Library, appointed in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV with a salary of 120 ducats.
Did Platina write about Halley's comet?
Yes, his writings created a legend regarding the excommunication of the comet by Pope Callixtus III during the siege of Belgrade in 1456.
Achievements
- Notable work: De falso et vero bono
- Notable work: Lives of the Popes
- Notable work: On Right Pleasure and Good Health
