Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat, philosopher, writer, and politician during the Renaissance. Born in 1469 in Florence, Italy, he is best known for his political treatise 'The Prince,' in which he discusses the nature of power and the tactics rulers should use to maintain control. Machiavelli's ideas were controversial for his time as he emphasized pragmatism and the importance of the state above ethical considerations. Despite being a skilled diplomat, he fell out of favor with the ruling Medici family and was exiled from Florence. He continued to write and advocate for the unification of Italy until his death in 1527.