Final answer:
The Medici were driven from Florence in 1494 following King Charles VIII of France's invasion and local unrest. Even after their political fall, their legacy in art and culture persisted, as they were patrons of major Renaissance artists and contributed to iconic Florentine landmarks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Medici driven from Florence in 1494 marked a significant shift in the city's political landscape. Their expulsion was a result of the invasion by King Charles VIII of France and the widespread discontent among the Florentines with the Medici's rule. After ruling as the unofficial heads of the Florentine Republic and later as dukes, the Medici family's influence on art and culture remained significant, despite their political setbacks. They were patrons of some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and played a pivotal role in the beautification of Florence with landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace. Their patronage had a lasting impact on the Renaissance and the cultural heritage of Florence.