1. Why Italy? The Rise of the Renaissance Italy &
the Creation of Italian City-States

2. Why Italy?
The Renaissance is typically thought to have originated in Italy.
But why?

3. Four Reasons for Italy
Location
Social Organization
Wealth
History

4. 1.) Location
Italy is located in the Mediterranean Sea & was able to dominate trade between the Middle East & Europe
This allowed for the growth of City-States, which became independently wealthy and self-sufficient

5. 1.) Location

6. The Silk Road

7. 2.) Social Organization
Feudalism declined faster in Italy than in any other region in Europe
Wealthy City-States = better than Feudal hierarchy
City-States were run by a Republic (the people) rather than a Monarchy (king)

8. 3.) Wealth
The increased trade & decline of Feudalism caused a surplus of wealth in Italy
People used this wealth on things like Art
Which would be very important in the Renaissance

9. 4.) History
Italy had a direct historical connection to the ancient Rome
The ideas of which would greatly influence Renaissance Scholars
Much of their art also drew inspiration from classical Greek & Roman civilization

10. The City –States of Italy
Some Background

11. Italian City-States
While NUMEROUS City-States developed during this time – arguably the three most powerful and influential were:
Venice
Genoa
Florence

12. Venice Venice is a city-state in the North East corner of Italy.
The Venetian fleet was the second largest in Italy and controlled most of the eastern seaports

13. Genoa Genoa was a city-state in North Western Italy
Genoa had the largest fleet in Italy and controlled most of the western seaports.

14. What similarities do the two city-states have?
What issues might arise?

15. Trade in the City States
Due to the rise of trade, conflict between the city-states becomes common.
There was fierce competition between the different city-states. The one who controlled the trade routes made more money.
Venice and Genoa meet in battle and Venice wins

17. Florence Florence is the most powerful Italian city-state.
Its power and wealth come from banking as opposed to trade
Came up with the idea of charging usury (interest)
The Medici family is the most powerful family in Florence.

18. Medici family pics…nice mugs!