1-152-315 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) Italian political and religious reformer, preaching in Florence. A Dominican priest, Savonarola preached against what he perceived as the depravity of the times and advocated a return to traditional Christian virtues. His followers in Florence made a 'bonfire of the vanities' and he maintained 'Rome will not quench these flames' (1496). Savonarola came increasingly into conflict with both the Church and political authorities. In 1497 he was excommunicated and the following year was tortured and hanged, after which his body was burned.