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{{WPtimeline}}
{{Era|Timeline}}{{WP-REAL}}
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{{Update|''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''}}
{{revamp}}
{{Youmay|the event|the [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|downloadable content]]}}
{{youmay|the event|the [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|downloadable content]]}}
{{Quote|You should be cleansing your homes. Cleansing your SELVES! There are bonfires to feed! Prayers to be said! Penance to be done!|Savonarola ordering Florentine citizens to return to their medieval lifestyles.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{Event
{{Event Infobox
|prev = [[Spanish Inquisition]]
|prev = Inception of the [[Age of Discovery]]
|next = [[Confrontation in Rome]]
|next = [[Confrontation in the Vatican]]
|image = [[File:Savonarolaeden.png|300px]]
|image = ACID Bonfire of Vanities Concept.jpg
|name=Bonfire of the Vanities
|timeframe = [[Renaissance]]
|timeframe = [[Renaissance]]
|date = 1497 - 1498
|date = 1497 - 1498
|place = [[Florence]]
|place = [[Florence]]
|outcome = *The death of [[Girolamo Savonarola]]
|outcome = *The death of [[Girolamo Savonarola]]
*Assassins reacquire the [[Piece of Eden]]
*[[Assassins]] reacquire the [[Apple of Eden 6|Apple of Eden]]
|key = *[[Assassins]]
|key = *Assassins
*Savonarola's forces
*Savonarola's forces
*[[Papacy|Papal army]]
*[[Papacy|Papal army]]
|participants = *[[Assassins]]
|participants = *Assassins
**[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
**[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
**[[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
**[[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
Line 22: Line 21:
**[[Paola]]
**[[Paola]]
*Savonarola's forces
*Savonarola's forces
**[[Girolamo Savonarola]]
**Girolamo Savonarola
}}
}}
{{quote|Twenty-two years ago, I stood where I stand now and watched my loved ones die, betrayed by those I had called friends. Vengeance clouded my mind. It would have consumed me, were it not for the wisdom of a few strangers, who taught me to look past my instincts. They never preached answers, but guided me to learn from myself. We don't need anyone to tell us what to do; not Savonarola, not the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who will take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it. But it is our ability to choose whatever you think is true that makes us human... There is no book or teacher to give you the answers, to show you the way. Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else.|Ezio Auditore to the people of Florence.}}
The '''Bonfire of the Vanities''' was a political movement in [[Florence]] during the years 1497 and 1498 in which [[Girolamo Savonarola]], an [[Italy|Italian]] priest of the [[Dominican Order]], preached for Florentine [[civilians]] to return to [[Middle Ages|medieval]] lifestyles.


The '''Bonfire of the Vanities''' was an event centered in [[Florence]] in the year 1498, instigated by the Italian Dominican priest [[Girolamo Savonarola]]; who believed that the ''[[Renaissance]] idea'' had corrupted Italy, and preached for a return to medieval life. Savonarola used the [[Piece of Eden|Apple of Eden]] (which he obtained from a wounded [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]]) to gain control of the city of Florence, following the expulsion of the Medici.
Following the expulsion of Florence's former rulers, the [[House of Medici|Medici]], Savonarola assumed control of the city after acquiring the [[Apple of Eden 6|Apple of Eden]] in 1488.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Identity]]'' – [[Database: Bonfire of Vanities]]</ref>


In the year 1498, Ezio once again returned to the city to find it in the grip of Savonarola and his lieutenants. Meeting with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] on one of the Arno bridges, the two passed into the Oltrarno district of Florence and discovered the bodies of a contingent of soldiers bearing the mark of [[Rodrigo Borgia]], evidence that the Pope was also aware that Savonarola held the Piece of Eden. Learning that the Apple only held sway over the minds of Savonarola's nine lieutenants, with most of the city's populace simply controlled by fear, Ezio decided to assassinate the nine, whilst [[La Volpe]] and [[Paola]] brought the people of the city to Savonarola’s door.
==Ascension to power==
{{Quote|It's not the city he's enthralled, but its leaders: men possessed of influence and power. They, in turn, oppress the citizens and ensure his will is done.|Niccolò Machiavelli discussing Savonarola's new system of power.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Florentine Fiasco 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio and Machiavelli discussing Savonarola]]
In the year 1497, the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] returned to Florence to find it controlled by Savonarola and his nine lieutenants.<ref name="Florentine Fiasco">''[[Assassin's Creed II]] – [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]'' – [[Florentine Fiasco]]</ref>


==Savonarola's lieutenants==
Ezio met with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] on one of the [[Arno]] bridges, and Machiavelli confirmed that Savonarola had taken control of Florence with the aid of the Apple of Eden. Eager to reclaim the Apple, Ezio declared that they should work on retrieving it, though Machiavelli rebuked him. Machiavelli then explained that Savonarola's control began to take shape a few weeks prior, when the once reviled man became one that people "worshiped".<ref name="Florentine Fiasco" />
The first of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio decided to kill was [[the Painter]], found behind the [[Palazzo Pitti]] in the Oltrano District. He spoke of how, when he first became a Painter, he thought he would become closer to God; however he found he was only deceived by the Devil. He tells the crowd to burn all their pieces of artwork in fires. After Ezio assassinates him, he says that he is sorry and that the [[File:Preacher.jpg|thumb|Ezio assassinating the Preacher]]actions that he did were not his own.


The second of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio assassinated was [[the Preacher]], who was standing outside the [[Santo Spirito]] Church in Southern Florence. He was speaking to a crowd in front of the church, while surrounded by armed [[guards]]. On his deathbed, he claimed that he wasn't deceived by the Apple of Eden, and that his actions were his own.
However, Machiavelli revealed that this was only part of Savonarola's tyranny, as Savonarola had taken control of city leaders who held influence over Florence's districts. These leaders in turn oppressed the people and ensured Savonarola's will was done.<ref name="Florentine Fiasco" />


The third of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio chose to assassinate was [[the Condottiero]], who guarded and monitored passage across the[[Ponte Vecchio| Ponte Vecchio]]. He spoke of Savonarola's cause to the people below, and said that he wanted to lead the people into a new future. When Ezio assassinated him, he claimed that he wanted wealth and power beyond what he already had.
==Assassination of Savonarola's lieutenants==
{{Quote|If we can silence his lieutenants and stir up discontent, he will be distracted and I will have a chance to strike.|Ezio explaining his plan to assassinate Savonarola's lieutenants.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Florentine Fiasco 6.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio and Machiavelli discussing the liberation plan]]
Ezio and Machiavelli passed into the [[Oltrarno District]] of the city and discovered the bodies of a contingent of soldiers bearing the emblem of the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]], indicating that [[Rodrigo Borgia]] was also aware Savonarola held the Apple.<ref name="Florentine Fiasco" />


The next of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio chose to assassinate was [[the Merchant]], who was found on a boat in the River Arno. Ezio sneakily assassinated him, and the Merchant's dying words were that sometimes people must be told what to think, though he also admitted his fault.
Learning that the Apple only held sway over the minds of Savonarola's nine lieutenants, with most of the city's populace simply controlled by fear, Ezio elected to assassinate the nine men, whilst [[La Volpe]] and [[Paola]] helped incite the districts and the people.<ref name="Florentine Fiasco" />


[[File:The_Farmer_Lietenant.png|thumb|left|The Farmer, one of Savonarola's lieutenants]]The fifth of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio chose to kill was [[the Farmer]], who was found on the outskirts of the city of Florence. The Farmer spoke of how he withheld other farmers' provisions for their livestock, thereby cutting their source of income, and Florence's food supply. When Ezio assassinated him, he said that he only wanted the citzens' respect.
===The Painter===
{{Quote|My own self-doubt let him hold me as he did. I am sorry.|The Painter's final words to Ezio.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Still life 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinating the Painter]]
The first of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio targeted was the [[Artist (Piagnone)| Painter]], who led a burning of piles of artwork behind the [[Palazzo Pitti]]. Unaware of Ezio's presence, the man spoke of how, when he first became a painter, he thought he would become closer to God. However, the Painter went on to say that he found he was only deceived by Satan.<ref name="Still Life">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Still Life]]</ref>


The sixth of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio assassinated was [[the Nobleman]], found on a rooftop in the Mercato Vecchio in central Florence. Upon his sighting of Ezio, he told him that he would best not interfere, for he was only curing Florence of its sickness. He then shouted for guards, and started to run to Savonarola, but Ezio swiftly assassinated him before he could reach him. In his death, he claimed that it wasn't his fault, and that he was merely the victim.
As he told the crowd to burn all their artwork, Ezio abruptly assassinated him with his [[Hidden Blade]]. With his last words, the Painter apologized to Ezio and claimed that his actions were not his own. Despite being pursued by [[guards]], Ezio escaped and La Volpe and Paola led the crowd away from the fires.<ref name="Still Life" />


The seventh of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio chose to assassinate was [[The Priest (Savonarola's lieutenant)|the Priest]], who was found on top of the [[Santa Maria del Fiore]] in the San Giovanni district. He preached to the people in favor of Savonarola and his cause. Ezio silently climbed up the building and assassinated him before he could alert the guards. In his death, he said that he had thought Savonarola preached the word of God, though now he regretted that he had led his flock astray.
===The Guard Captain===
{{Quote|Or was it that I tasted power and found myself intoxicated? I wish I had been strong.|The Guard Captain speaking to Ezio|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:The ranks 3.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Guard Captain]]
Eventually, Ezio was able to locate the [[Guard captain (Piagnone)|Guard Captain]] at the [[Basilica of San Lorenzo|Basilica di San Lorenzo]]. Arriving in the courtyard and noticing no civilians around, the Guard Captain showed himself from the scaffolding above.<ref name="Climbing the Ranks">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Climbing the Ranks]]</ref>


The penultimate of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio had to kill was [[The Captain Guard|the Captain Guard]], who was located in the [[Basilica di San Lorenzo]]. When Ezio arrived near the church, he noticed that the surrounding areas were devoid of any [[citizens]]. When Ezio entered the courtyard, he caught sight of the Captain Guard, but found that he had fallen into a trap. He was promptly surrounded by several [[guards]] and [[archers]]; however he was able to fight them off and assassinate the Captain Guard. In the Captain's death, he exclaimed that he wasn't himself, and that he should have been stronger to resist Savonarola.
Calling out to Ezio, he revealed that he had devised a trap. Ezio was promptly surrounded by dozens of guards and [[archers]]; however he was able to fight them off, climb the building, and assassinate the Guard Captain. As he died, the Captain claimed he was disgusted by his actions, and wished he had been stronger.<ref name="Climbing the Ranks" />


[[File:Doctorj.jpg|thumb|Ezio assassinating the Doctor]]The last of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio had to assassinate was [[The Doctor (Savonarola's lieutenant)|the Doctor]], who was found in a courtyard in central Florence. He was protected by many guards, and he offered free medical care to those who swore allegiance to Savonarola. After Ezio assassinated him, he told Ezio on his deathbed that he had been intoxicated by power.
===The Nobleman===
{{Dialogue2|Nobleman|I was a victim! It's not my fault!|Ezio|No. You made a choice.|He charmed me. With that... thing...|Ezio talking to the Nobleman before the latter's death.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Upward Mobility 2.png|thumb|right|250px|Ezio assassinating the Nobleman]]
The third lieutenant was a [[Nobleman (Piagnone)|Nobleman]], who Ezio located on top of the [[Mercato Vecchio]]. Upon seeing Ezio, the Nobleman fled towards Savonarola, shouting that Florence must be cured and claiming that Ezio would not interfere.<ref name="Upward Mobility">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Upward Mobility]]</ref>


Ezio pursued the nobleman over the rooftops and quickly assassinated him. As he died, the Nobleman stated that he was "charmed" by the Apple, though Ezio explained that he killed him regardless, for the people's benefit.<ref name="Upward Mobility" />
===The Priest===
{{Quote|I led my flock astray... It's just... I wanted so badly to believe...|The Priest confessing his failure.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Last rites 3.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Priest]]
The fourth lieutenant was a [[Priest (Piagnone)|Priest]] praying atop the [[Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore]]. As the priest preached to the people in favor of Savonarola and his cause, Ezio silently climbed the church, dispatching the guards he encountered.<ref name="Last Rites">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Last Rites]]</ref>
Reaching the top, Ezio stabbed the priest with his Hidden Blade. As he died, the priest admitted he accepted the illusion, wanting to believe in God so desperately.<ref name="Last Rites" />
===The Merchant===
{{Quote|We'll see just how tough the holdouts are when they're forced to go without food. If they want to eat, they'll accept Savonarola as their leader.|The Merchant describing his plan to starve those who oppose Savonarola.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Port Authority 2.png|thumb|right|250px|Ezio assassinating the Merchant]]
The fifth lieutenant was a [[Merchant (Piagnone)|Merchant]], who Ezio found on a boat in the Arno river. The merchant had his guards load food supplies onto the [[Ship|ship]], withholding it from the people in the hope that they would submit to Savonarola.<ref name="Port Authority">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Port Authority]]</ref>
Ezio was able to sneak aboard the ship and evade the guards before reaching the merchant and assassinating him. With his dying words, the merchant showed regret, but admitted he believed people must be told what to think sometimes.<ref name="Port Authority" />
===The Doctor===
{{Dialogue2|Doctor|You have spilled the blood of a healer.|Ezio|No. I have spilled the blood of a tyrant.|To command such power over the body, between this world and the next. It seems, I grew intoxicated.|The Doctor to Ezio prior to the former's death.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Surgical Strike 2.png|250px|thumb|left|Ezio aiming his Hidden Gun at the Doctor]]
The sixth lieutenant was the [[Doctor (Piagnone)|Doctor]], who was found in the [[Ospedale degli Innocenti]]. He was protected by several guards and offered free medical care to those who swore allegiance to Savonarola.<ref name="Surgical Strike">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Surgical Strike]]</ref>
Infiltrating the courtyard, Ezio avoided the guards' gaze and assassinated the Doctor. Before dying, the Doctor admitted to Ezio that he had been intoxicated by power.<ref name="Surgical Strike" />
===The Farmer===
{{Quote|Your orders are simple - keep watch over these fields and ensure no harm comes to the bundles of fieno (hay). It may seem a mundane task, but it's critical nonetheless!|The Farmer's orders to his men.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Hitting hay 2.png|thumb|right|250px|Ezio assassinating the Farmer]]
The seventh lieutenant was a [[Farmer (Piagnone)|Farmer]] in Florence's countryside. The Farmer ordered his men to protect the hay and continued to patrol the area with other guards. As he walked, the farmer spoke of how he withheld other farmers' provisions for their livestock, thereby cutting their source of income and Florence's food supply to force them to submit to Savonarola.<ref name="Hitting the Hay">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Hitting the Hay]]</ref>
Using the hay bundles to his advantage and remaining hidden, Ezio was able to assassinate the farmer. Ezio interrogated him about his actions, and the Farmer admitted he withheld provisions to gain respect from the people, asserting that something taken for granted can be of critical importance.<ref name="Hitting the Hay" />
===The Condottiero===
{{Dialogue|Ezio|You wear a noble's clothes. How is it Savonarola charmed you?|Condottiero|Wealth and power do not ensure contentment. I wanted even more...|The Condottiero explaining his desire for control.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Arch Nemesis 2.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Condottiero]]
The eighth lieutenant was the [[Condottiero (Piagnone)|Condottiero]], who guarded and monitored passage across the [[Ponte Vecchio]]. He spoke of Savonarola's cause to the people below and said he wanted to lead them into a new future, and that resistance was futile.<ref name="Arch Nemesis">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Arch Nemesis]]</ref>
However, Ezio was able to navigate past the guards and eventually assassinate the Condottiero. Ezio questioned the dying Condottiero about how Savonarola was able to charm him, and the Condottiero admitted he wanted wealth and power far beyond what he currently possessed.<ref name="Arch Nemesis" />
===The Preacher===
{{Quote|Not all of us required deception to be convinced. I already believe. All I said is true.|The Preacher confessing his belief in Savonarola's cause.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Doomsday 2.png|thumb|250px|right|Ezio assassinating the Preacher]]
The last of Savonarola's lieutenants Ezio hunted was the [[Preacher (Piagnone)|Preacher]], whom he located outside [[Santo Spirito]], surrounded by guards and addressing a crowd in front of the church. The preacher lectured that everyone need repent or they would go to Hell. Ezio was able to close in on the preacher and assassinate him; as the man died, he claimed that he was not deceived by the Apple of Eden, and that his actions were his own.<ref name="Doomsday">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Doomsday]]</ref>
{{-}}
==Savonarola's demise==
==Savonarola's demise==
{{Quote|We don't need anyone to tell us what to do; not Savonarola, not the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who will take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it... Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else.|Ezio's speech to the crowd at the Palazzo della Signoria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Power to people 2.png|thumb|left|250px|The crowd gathering in front of the Palazzo Pitti]]
The citizens, rallied by Niccolò Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, massed in front of the Palazzo Pitti to confront Savonarola.<ref name="Power to the People">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Power to the People]]</ref>
Emerging from the Palazzo, Savonarola demanded to know why the mob had gathered and were not "cleansing themselves". Weakened by the loss of his lieutenants, Savonarola attempted to using the Apple's power to subdue the crowd. However, he was stopped as Ezio threw a [[Throwing knives|knife]] and injured his hand. As soon as the Apple fell from Savonarola's grip, the crowd carried him away.<ref name="Power to the People" />
Picking up the Apple, a Borgia [[Agile guards|guard]] attempted to flee with the artifact, but was subdued after a lengthy chase by Ezio. Ezio then headed to the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], where the crowd, now freed from the control of the Apple, were burning Savonarola at the stake.<ref name="Power to the People" />
[[File:Mob justice 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio addressing the crowd]]
Making his way through the crowd, Ezio lunged at Savonarola and assassinated the tyrannical monk with his Hidden Blade, sparing him from a slow and painful demise. With Savonarola finally dead, Ezio made a speech to the crowd, telling them that they were free to make their own choices, and directed them to choose their own path.<ref name="Mob Justice">''Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities'' – [[Mob Justice]]</ref>
As Ezio concluded his speech, he departed from the city with [[Mario Auditore]], Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, with the group heading to the [[Villa Auditore]] in [[Monteriggioni]].<ref name="Mob Justice" />
==Aftermath==
With the Apple in the Assassins' possession and Savonarola's tyranny ended, the people of Florence could fully embrace the [[Renaissance]] movement. Following Savonarola's demise, the city politics remained in a state of disarray for several years, before [[Piero Soderini]] became Florence's effective ruler in 1502. The House of Medici would be restored in 1512. The Assassins also retrieved the last pages of the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]], which they would eventually assemble on the [[Villa Auditore#Mario's study|Codex Wall]] to locate the [[Vatican Vault|Vault]] and confront the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]], Rodrigo Borgia.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
== Behind the Scenes ==
As long as the player is in Sequence 13, Florence will be a battleground as they can find random skirmishes between Borgia Guards and Savonarola Guards – Savonarola will spawn with a Brute and a Seeker while Borgia will spawn with two Agiles.
==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' – ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' {{Fb}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Identity]]'' {{Mdat}}


Ezio and his [[Assassin]] allies meet outside the Palazzo Pitti and saw Girolamo Savonarola addressing a crowd, and controlling them using the Apple. Ezio then throws a [[Throwing knives|throwing knife]] directly at the Piece of Eden, causing Savonarola to drop it and lose control over the crowd. As the citizens carry Savonarola away, an [[Agile Guards|agile guard]] picks up the fallen Apple and flees, with Ezio following close behind. After a lengthy chase, Ezio manages to assassinate the guard and recover the Piece of Eden.[[File:Assacreed2_b15_451.jpg|thumb|left|Ezio assassinating Girolamo Savonarola with his hidden blade]] He then finds out that the people, now freed from the grip of the Apple, were burning Savonarola at the stake outside the [[Palazzo della Signoria]]. He decides that no-one should die in so much pain, and thus mercifully assassinates Savonarola with his [[hidden blade]]. He then makes a speech, saying that the citizens should be free and should not follow him or anyone else.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{Timeline}}


==Trivia==
<!--[fr:Bûcher des Vanités]
*Through the whole of this sequence, you will come across many battles between Borgia's and Savonarola's guards. If you decide to participate, they will fight each other and you.
[it:Falò delle Vanità]
*Any time before the end of the sequence, after meeting with Machiavelli, go to the [[Palazzo Auditore]] courtyard and Ezio will see a [[Easter Eggs|vision]] of his family members with [[Eagle Vision]].
[pt-br:Fogueira das Vaidades]
*The Bonfire of the Vanities bears some resemblance to the original ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', as Ezio has to kill 9 lieutenants before killing their master. This is similar to how [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] assassinated nine Templars before killing [[Al Mualim]]. In addition, the methods used by Savonarola, the burning of all books, art, etc., bear a strong resemblance to the actions of one of these Templars, [[Jubair al Hakim]].
[zh:虚荣之火]-->
*If you don't do anything when Savonarola attempts to use the Apple on the people, Machiavelli will be the one to throw the knife that disarms Savonarola.
[[Category:Timeline]]
*In the novel Assassin's Creed: Renaissance, it is Machiavelli who throws the knife at Savonarola to free the Apple. Ezio does not have to chase an Agile Guard to reclaim the Apple in the novel, instead he has only to make his way through the angry mob carrying Savonarola
*During the sequence, the sky in Florence will always be a dull grey color, and the civilians will seem to be more depressed; probably to suit the mood, and the city's corrupted status.
*Even after the player completes the sequence, some civilians will still continue to throw books and artwork into bonfires in the Oltrarno District of Florence.
*It is amusing to note that while the bonfires burned art, the Art Merchants were still open for business.
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II DLC]]
[[Category:Major Events]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II events]]
[[Category:Articles revamp]]

Latest revision as of 00:36, 25 May 2026

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"You should be cleansing your homes. Cleansing your SELVES! There are bonfires to feed! Prayers to be said! Penance to be done!"
―Savonarola ordering Florentine citizens to return to their medieval lifestyles.[src]

The Bonfire of the Vanities was a political movement in Florence during the years 1497 and 1498 in which Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian priest of the Dominican Order, preached for Florentine civilians to return to medieval lifestyles.

Following the expulsion of Florence's former rulers, the Medici, Savonarola assumed control of the city after acquiring the Apple of Eden in 1488.[1]

Ascension to power[edit | edit source]

"It's not the city he's enthralled, but its leaders: men possessed of influence and power. They, in turn, oppress the citizens and ensure his will is done."
―Niccolò Machiavelli discussing Savonarola's new system of power.[src]
Ezio and Machiavelli discussing Savonarola

In the year 1497, the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze returned to Florence to find it controlled by Savonarola and his nine lieutenants.[2]

Ezio met with Niccolò Machiavelli on one of the Arno bridges, and Machiavelli confirmed that Savonarola had taken control of Florence with the aid of the Apple of Eden. Eager to reclaim the Apple, Ezio declared that they should work on retrieving it, though Machiavelli rebuked him. Machiavelli then explained that Savonarola's control began to take shape a few weeks prior, when the once reviled man became one that people "worshiped".[2]

However, Machiavelli revealed that this was only part of Savonarola's tyranny, as Savonarola had taken control of city leaders who held influence over Florence's districts. These leaders in turn oppressed the people and ensured Savonarola's will was done.[2]

Assassination of Savonarola's lieutenants[edit | edit source]

"If we can silence his lieutenants and stir up discontent, he will be distracted and I will have a chance to strike."
―Ezio explaining his plan to assassinate Savonarola's lieutenants.[src]
Ezio and Machiavelli discussing the liberation plan

Ezio and Machiavelli passed into the Oltrarno District of the city and discovered the bodies of a contingent of soldiers bearing the emblem of the Borgia, indicating that Rodrigo Borgia was also aware Savonarola held the Apple.[2]

Learning that the Apple only held sway over the minds of Savonarola's nine lieutenants, with most of the city's populace simply controlled by fear, Ezio elected to assassinate the nine men, whilst La Volpe and Paola helped incite the districts and the people.[2]

The Painter[edit | edit source]

"My own self-doubt let him hold me as he did. I am sorry."
―The Painter's final words to Ezio.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Painter

The first of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio targeted was the Painter, who led a burning of piles of artwork behind the Palazzo Pitti. Unaware of Ezio's presence, the man spoke of how, when he first became a painter, he thought he would become closer to God. However, the Painter went on to say that he found he was only deceived by Satan.[3]

As he told the crowd to burn all their artwork, Ezio abruptly assassinated him with his Hidden Blade. With his last words, the Painter apologized to Ezio and claimed that his actions were not his own. Despite being pursued by guards, Ezio escaped and La Volpe and Paola led the crowd away from the fires.[3]

The Guard Captain[edit | edit source]

"Or was it that I tasted power and found myself intoxicated? I wish I had been strong."
―The Guard Captain speaking to Ezio[src]
Ezio assassinating the Guard Captain

Eventually, Ezio was able to locate the Guard Captain at the Basilica di San Lorenzo. Arriving in the courtyard and noticing no civilians around, the Guard Captain showed himself from the scaffolding above.[4]

Calling out to Ezio, he revealed that he had devised a trap. Ezio was promptly surrounded by dozens of guards and archers; however he was able to fight them off, climb the building, and assassinate the Guard Captain. As he died, the Captain claimed he was disgusted by his actions, and wished he had been stronger.[4]

The Nobleman[edit | edit source]

Nobleman: "I was a victim! It's not my fault!"
Ezio: "No. You made a choice."
Nobleman: "He charmed me. With that... thing..."
—Ezio talking to the Nobleman before the latter's death.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Nobleman

The third lieutenant was a Nobleman, who Ezio located on top of the Mercato Vecchio. Upon seeing Ezio, the Nobleman fled towards Savonarola, shouting that Florence must be cured and claiming that Ezio would not interfere.[5]

Ezio pursued the nobleman over the rooftops and quickly assassinated him. As he died, the Nobleman stated that he was "charmed" by the Apple, though Ezio explained that he killed him regardless, for the people's benefit.[5]

The Priest[edit | edit source]

"I led my flock astray... It's just... I wanted so badly to believe..."
―The Priest confessing his failure.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Priest

The fourth lieutenant was a Priest praying atop the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. As the priest preached to the people in favor of Savonarola and his cause, Ezio silently climbed the church, dispatching the guards he encountered.[6]

Reaching the top, Ezio stabbed the priest with his Hidden Blade. As he died, the priest admitted he accepted the illusion, wanting to believe in God so desperately.[6]

The Merchant[edit | edit source]

"We'll see just how tough the holdouts are when they're forced to go without food. If they want to eat, they'll accept Savonarola as their leader."
―The Merchant describing his plan to starve those who oppose Savonarola.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Merchant

The fifth lieutenant was a Merchant, who Ezio found on a boat in the Arno river. The merchant had his guards load food supplies onto the ship, withholding it from the people in the hope that they would submit to Savonarola.[7]

Ezio was able to sneak aboard the ship and evade the guards before reaching the merchant and assassinating him. With his dying words, the merchant showed regret, but admitted he believed people must be told what to think sometimes.[7]

The Doctor[edit | edit source]

Doctor: "You have spilled the blood of a healer."
Ezio: "No. I have spilled the blood of a tyrant."
Doctor: "To command such power over the body, between this world and the next. It seems, I grew intoxicated."
—The Doctor to Ezio prior to the former's death.[src]
Ezio aiming his Hidden Gun at the Doctor

The sixth lieutenant was the Doctor, who was found in the Ospedale degli Innocenti. He was protected by several guards and offered free medical care to those who swore allegiance to Savonarola.[8]

Infiltrating the courtyard, Ezio avoided the guards' gaze and assassinated the Doctor. Before dying, the Doctor admitted to Ezio that he had been intoxicated by power.[8]

The Farmer[edit | edit source]

"Your orders are simple - keep watch over these fields and ensure no harm comes to the bundles of fieno (hay). It may seem a mundane task, but it's critical nonetheless!"
―The Farmer's orders to his men.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Farmer

The seventh lieutenant was a Farmer in Florence's countryside. The Farmer ordered his men to protect the hay and continued to patrol the area with other guards. As he walked, the farmer spoke of how he withheld other farmers' provisions for their livestock, thereby cutting their source of income and Florence's food supply to force them to submit to Savonarola.[9]

Using the hay bundles to his advantage and remaining hidden, Ezio was able to assassinate the farmer. Ezio interrogated him about his actions, and the Farmer admitted he withheld provisions to gain respect from the people, asserting that something taken for granted can be of critical importance.[9]

The Condottiero[edit | edit source]

Ezio: "You wear a noble's clothes. How is it Savonarola charmed you?"
Condottiero: "Wealth and power do not ensure contentment. I wanted even more..."
—The Condottiero explaining his desire for control.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Condottiero

The eighth lieutenant was the Condottiero, who guarded and monitored passage across the Ponte Vecchio. He spoke of Savonarola's cause to the people below and said he wanted to lead them into a new future, and that resistance was futile.[10]

However, Ezio was able to navigate past the guards and eventually assassinate the Condottiero. Ezio questioned the dying Condottiero about how Savonarola was able to charm him, and the Condottiero admitted he wanted wealth and power far beyond what he currently possessed.[10]

The Preacher[edit | edit source]

"Not all of us required deception to be convinced. I already believe. All I said is true."
―The Preacher confessing his belief in Savonarola's cause.[src]
Ezio assassinating the Preacher

The last of Savonarola's lieutenants Ezio hunted was the Preacher, whom he located outside Santo Spirito, surrounded by guards and addressing a crowd in front of the church. The preacher lectured that everyone need repent or they would go to Hell. Ezio was able to close in on the preacher and assassinate him; as the man died, he claimed that he was not deceived by the Apple of Eden, and that his actions were his own.[11]

Savonarola's demise[edit | edit source]

"We don't need anyone to tell us what to do; not Savonarola, not the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who will take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it... Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else."
―Ezio's speech to the crowd at the Palazzo della Signoria.[src]
The crowd gathering in front of the Palazzo Pitti

The citizens, rallied by Niccolò Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, massed in front of the Palazzo Pitti to confront Savonarola.[12]

Emerging from the Palazzo, Savonarola demanded to know why the mob had gathered and were not "cleansing themselves". Weakened by the loss of his lieutenants, Savonarola attempted to using the Apple's power to subdue the crowd. However, he was stopped as Ezio threw a knife and injured his hand. As soon as the Apple fell from Savonarola's grip, the crowd carried him away.[12]

Picking up the Apple, a Borgia guard attempted to flee with the artifact, but was subdued after a lengthy chase by Ezio. Ezio then headed to the Palazzo della Signoria, where the crowd, now freed from the control of the Apple, were burning Savonarola at the stake.[12]

Ezio addressing the crowd

Making his way through the crowd, Ezio lunged at Savonarola and assassinated the tyrannical monk with his Hidden Blade, sparing him from a slow and painful demise. With Savonarola finally dead, Ezio made a speech to the crowd, telling them that they were free to make their own choices, and directed them to choose their own path.[13]

As Ezio concluded his speech, he departed from the city with Mario Auditore, Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, with the group heading to the Villa Auditore in Monteriggioni.[13]

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

With the Apple in the Assassins' possession and Savonarola's tyranny ended, the people of Florence could fully embrace the Renaissance movement. Following Savonarola's demise, the city politics remained in a state of disarray for several years, before Piero Soderini became Florence's effective ruler in 1502. The House of Medici would be restored in 1512. The Assassins also retrieved the last pages of the Codex, which they would eventually assemble on the Codex Wall to locate the Vault and confront the Templar Grand Master, Rodrigo Borgia.[14]

Behind the Scenes[edit | edit source]

As long as the player is in Sequence 13, Florence will be a battleground as they can find random skirmishes between Borgia Guards and Savonarola Guards – Savonarola will spawn with a Brute and a Seeker while Borgia will spawn with two Agiles.

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Identity – Database: Bonfire of Vanities
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Florentine Fiasco
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Still Life
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Climbing the Ranks
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Upward Mobility
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Last Rites
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Port Authority
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Surgical Strike
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Hitting the Hay
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Arch Nemesis
  11. ↑ Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Doomsday
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Power to the People
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Assassin's Creed II – Bonfire of the Vanities – Mob Justice
  14. ↑ Assassin's Creed II

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