Comparing Three Cities The Rise of City States
Florence
Political and Economic Systems ► Strong ruling family (Oligarchy) ► Peace led to increased wealth ► Guilds organized ► Important industries: Trade Banking Wool
Social Systems ► Education was encouraged ► Hierarchy was less rigid ► Strong merchant class
Culture ► New building were designed and built ► Art flourished especially painting and sculpture ► Libraries built ► Patrons of the arts
Unique Qualities ► Richest ► Centre of the Renaissance
Geography ► Hilly areas good for sheep ► Good trading location on the Amo river
Venice
Political and Economic Systems ► Strong ruling family (Oligarchy) ► Important industries: Shipbuilding Trade Book Trade
Social Systems ► Education was important ► Renowned University ► Scuoles provided some charity to citizens ► Strong merchant class ► Three social classes
Culture ► Architecture reflected eastern and western styles ► Centre of book trade ► Art flourished especially painting and sculpture ► Cathedrals built by the church ► Patrons of the arts
Unique Qualities ► Centre of trade between Europe and Asia ► Canals as streets
Geography ► On shallow islands ► Good trading location
Genoa
Political and Economic Systems ► Strong ruling family (Oligarchy) ► Important industries: Trade Banking Navy
Social Systems ► Renowned University ► Social class system ► Dictator took over power
Culture ► Architecture very important ► Art flourished especially painting
Unique Qualities ► Strongest; controlled other ports in the Mediterranean. ► Wealthy families commissioned “risky” art and built imposing noble palaces.
Geography ► On narrow strip of land between sea and mountains ► Crossroads between Europe and Mediterranean area
Similarities ► Located on important trade routes ► Commercial centres ► Populations of more than ► Hierarchical social systems ► Wealthy were patrons of the arts ► The Treaty of Lodi (1454) brought relative stability to the area for 40 years. (Naples, Florence, Milan, and Venice)