Why The Renaissance began in Italy And…. The Northern Renaissance

Why did the Renaissance Begin in Italy?

The Right Conditions Renaissance is a French word meaning “re-birth” Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy and later in places like England and Germany? Heartland of the old Roman Empire Geographic location Climate City States

Heartland of the Old Roman Empire Still used Roman Law Clear legal code made trade and business easier. Didn’t have to work with medieval law Presence of ruins and art Many of it survived Inspired Italian artists and Architects. Brunelleshi & the dome Classicalism Botticelli Michelangelo

Physical Geography Italy had a collection of city-states Good harbours Automatically became large and powerful because they served as centers for trade. This also meant that ideas and knowledge spread. Two largest Port cities Venice Genoa

Mountainous Peninsula Mountains can make trade difficult Have only a few well established trade routes - but they are busy! Grew rich on the proceeds of trade. Everybody has to travel through them to get anywhere. The Arno River Florence located on the plains of the Arno & on a major trade route Helped agriculture Made Florence the most powerful city.

Climate Milder than the countries North of the Alps. Winter weather did not disrupt travel & trade Did in the North Food was plentiful all year People had more time to devote to spare time because they didn’t have to work all the time.

Relative Location

Close ties to Muslim world Italy had closer ties than the rest of Europe to the Muslim world in the south and east. Italy was near the rich port cities in Africa & the Middle East Trade with these lands was easier & cheaper. Hub of knowledge Introduced to Science, medicine, and astronomy. Access to new foods & products Oranges, lemons, coffee, sugar

Trade = Wealth With trade came Wealth…. ….which in turn allowed the arts to flourish!

The City-States Florence & Venice The Renaissance flourished in City-States (the city and rural area surrounding it. The surrounding area called the Hinterland, provided the food, and other necessities.

So,….why did it begin in Italy The right location A rich history and ancestral connection A great climate Strong City-States Opportunity for wealth People had money to invest They became the patrons!

Ah, Italy…..