Thomas I of Gadagne, known as "the rich man", was born in Savoy on August 27, 1454 and died in Avignon on May 23, 1533. He was a merchant and banker from Lyon of Italian origin. Coming from a wealthy family of Florence, he moved to Lyon and developed his business in commerce, banking and industry in these two cities. With his great wealth he leant money to various kings of France to support them in their military operations in Italy and to finance an expedition to the new world.
