Barberini

Barberini, an Italian family, originally of Tuscan origin, that acquired wealth by trade in the 16th century, and rose to the front rank among the Roman nobility and in the cardinalate. The family rose to power and influence on the elevation of Maffeo Barberini as Urban VIII. to the papal chair in 1623. His brother Carlo became general of the papal troops; while to a son of the latter, Taddeo, were given the principality of Palestrina and other fiefs. Francesco (1597-1679), brother of Taddeo, cardinal and vice-chancellor, was founder of the Barberini Library; another brother, Antonio (1608-71), was cardinal and high-chamberlain under Urban VIII. Their increasing power and grasping ambition excited the jealousy of the neighbouring princes, and led to the war (1641-44) in which Odoardo, Duke of Parma, defeated the papal troops. Under Urban's successor, Innocent X., proceedings were instituted against the Barberini, who fled to France; but returned again to Italy in 1652. The principality of Palestrina has belonged since 1630 to the family, while their palace at Rome—long the resting-place of the Portland Vase (q.v.)—gives evidence of their wealth and splendour. Barberino di Val-d'Elsa, a village near Florence, the birthplace of Urban VIII., gives name to the family, one of their palaces being here.