<human>:  Why did the Medici family become so powerful?
<bot>: The Medici family were bankers. They had money and were able to buy influence in Florence. In the 14th century, they were able to get their hands on the city’s government. They were also very wealthy, and were able to pay off many of the city’s debts. This allowed them to become very powerful, and eventually they were able to control the city’s government.