What is Niccolo Machiavelli Famous for?

Niccolo Machiavelli was a 16th century Italian writer and diplomat who is mostly famous for his work "The Prince." Machiavelli is often regarded as the founder of modern political theory.

Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence in 1469 into an influential family. He received a good education and began a career as a diplomat, undertaking a series of missions that led him to become acquainted with Pope Julius II, Ferdinand II and Louis XII. Machiavelli wrote his major work, "Il Principe," in 1513, after a dark period in his career. He also wrote "On the Art of War" and "The Mandrake."