Why Did the Renaissance Start in Italy?

map-italyThe Renaissance was a time of rebirth and change, and it started in Italy for many different reasons. First of all, it was the heartland of the old Roman Empire. This meant they used the Roman legal code which made trade betmona-lisaween other regions easier. The Roman ruins, sculptures, mosaics, and wall paintings also contributed to the Renaissance by inspiring many Italian artists and architects. Geography was another important factor in the reason why the Renaissance started in Italy. This country is a mountainous peninsula which allowed for only a few busy trade routes, but this made the cities on the route very powerful. Some of these city states, such as Florence and Venice, became very wealthy through trade, which also contributed to the Renaissance. To create a Renaissance, you need a great amount of money, which man
y Italian city states had, but wealthy families such as the Medici were also an important part of this change because they served as patrons and helped to fund artists and thus supporting art and the Renaissance. In addition, the mild climate of Italy did not disrupt travel or trade and meant that food was plentiful all year round. It also alloarchitecture-venicewed for people to have more time to learn, which was a huge part of the Renaissance, instead of working. Location was essential too. Italy had closer ties to the Muslim world than the rest of Europe, which meant trade was cheaper and easier. They were closer to the Middle East and Africa, and from these regions they could trade for products such as oranges, lemons, coffee, and sugar, were introduced to science, medicine, and astronomy, and were exposed to new ideas. Clearly, all of these components are very important parts of why the Renaissance started in Italy.

Work cited:

Cranny, Michael William, and Graham Jarvis. Pathways: Civilizations through Time. Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice Hall Ginn Canada, 1998. Print.