The Blade of Gilgamesh. Jeff Edwards

the removal of the sword from Florence saw the beginning of the end for the Medici family, although their influence remained for several generations to come.

      In Rome, the rule of the Medici popes also came to an end and the Sword of Gilgamesh languished in the Vatican vaults, securely locked away in the casket created by Michelangelo, with its complex interior built by Leonardo de Vinci.

      Dante’s book was consigned to the Vatican library.