[laughing]

In the thirteen hundreds, the Republic of Siena was one of the most powerful city-states in Italy, and it was governed in a unique way.

A council of nine men chosen from the city's leading families, and that this sort of unique style of leadership actually fostered for them a period of stability and prosperity.

And around thirteen thirty-seven, the council commissioned Ambrogio Lorenzetti to paint an allegorical fresco in their meeting room that depicted good government, bad government, and the effects of both on the city and on the surrounding countryside.

This council essentially wanted a constant reminder of the virtues towards which they should strive and the vices they should spurn.

I went eventually to see the frescoes for myself.

Has anybody been there in Siena, in the Council of Nine, seen the room? Okay.

[laughs]