A political treatise written in early sixteenth-century Renaissance Italy, The Prince is a shrewd and insidious analysis of how a ruler gains and maintains political power. Machiavelli’s work is timeless, even though he wrote it to glorify the Medicis and insure their control over the Italian city-states.

Students create a time line, study the map of Italy, research Italian history, study the Medici family tree, and explore real and legendary persons in the work. They also analyze criticism of The Prince and apply Machiavelli’s ideas to contemporary situations, issues, and leaders. 

Lessons include a study guide with answer key and a list of key terms that can be used to aid comprehension or as an assessment. Supplementary materials feature optional activities.