1. Reasons Why the Renaissance Began in Italy…
Italy’s geographic position (a peninsula in Central Europe) made it the center location of the trade routes. This led to…
Increased wealth
Contact with Byzantine scholars who preserved Greek and Roman ideas
Interest in study of early Christian writings
Introduction of new
products and ideas
Trade Routes, Circa 1500 A.D.

2. Italian City-States
At this point in time, Italy is broken up into numerous states, all of which are ruled by one city located in that state.
Trade leads to growth in these city-states, especially the following three…
Florence
Considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance
The center for banking, art, culture, and literature
Genoa
Venice

3. Wealthy Patrons
During the Renaissance, a patron was a wealthy person who sponsored an artist for their work.
The Medici Family of Florence
Florentine patrons who were famous for being rulers and supporters of the arts
Lorenzo the Magnificent
Famous member of the Medici family most known for sponsoring Italian artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli