* Classical Authors: Machiavelli was deeply familiar with classical Roman authors like Livy, Tacitus, and Polybius. He admired their insights into political strategy, military tactics, and the nature of power. His work often echoes their themes and lessons.
* Ancient Greek Philosophers: Aristotle and Plato were significant influences on Machiavelli's political thought. He shared their focus on the practical and ethical aspects of governance, though he differed in his views on the nature of virtue and its relationship to political success.
* Renaissance Humanists: Machiavelli was a product of the Renaissance and engaged with the humanist tradition, particularly thinkers like Francesco Guicciardini and Niccolò da Bari, who emphasized historical study and practical knowledge.
* Contemporary Figures: He was also inspired by his own experience as a diplomat and political observer in the tumultuous Italian politics of his time. Figures like Cesare Borgia, Lorenzo de' Medici, and even Savonarola served as real-world examples of power and its dynamics, influencing his observations on political behavior and the nature of leadership.
It's important to note that Machiavelli was a highly original thinker. While he drew upon the work of others, he synthesized and adapted their ideas to create his own unique and sometimes controversial perspective on politics and power.