Leo X (1475-1521), who was pope from 1513 to 1521, was a lavish patron of the arts and an international political manipulator. The Reformation began during his reign. In the second half of the 15th century the Renaissance was in full swing in Italy....

A rare portrait by Renaissance master Raphael that shows a Florentine ruler from the famed Medici family will be offered at a public auction this summer, Christie's said Monday.Christie's expects the portrait to fetch a record $19.7 million to $29.5 million. The record price for...

Today is Friday, June 15, the 166th day of 2007. There are 199 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 15, 1215, England's King John put his seal to Magna Carta ("the Great Charter") at Runnymede.On this date:In 1520, Pope Leo X threatened...

Scientists have exhumed the Renaissance-era remains of two intellectuals who belonged to Florence's powerful Medici family court, in an effort to learn more about their lives and deaths.The 15th century remains of humanist philosopher Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and writer Angelo Ambrogini _ better known...

Today is Thursday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2008. There are 363 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:Fifty years ago, on Jan. 3, 1958, the first six members of the newly formed U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held their first meeting at...