ACCOLTI, Benedict, was nephew, or according to some, grandson of Peter Accolti, and was born at Florence in 1497. He was much distinguished for his knowledge of law, and a most retentive memory; and was such a master of the Latin language, that he obtained the flattering appellation of the Cicero of the age. He enjoyed very high ecclesiastical honours: Leo X. bestowed on him the bishopric of Cadiz; Adrian the VI. gave him that of Cremona, and the archbishopric of Ravenna; and Clement VII. raised him to the rank of cardinal. At the request of Clement, he wrote a treatise in vindication of the pope's right to the kingdom of Naples. He left several other works, and particularly some pieces of poetry. He died at Florence in 1549.