The Renaissance was destined to start in Italy. Italy had Rome and access to Roman philosophers. The Italian states of Venice and Florence were also valuable trading centers who had ready access to ports in Greece and Constantinople. Even after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks, these city-states continued to trade with the Ottoman Empire and ultimately gained access to rich Asian spices through Middle Eastern traders. This brought the cities the wealth needed to fund artistic works by great artists such as Michelangelo. The Medici family of Florence funded many great works of art in order to demonstrate their prestige. The Vatican was also a center of wealth, thanks to pilgrimages, and the popes commissioned works of art as well. After the fall of Constantinople, many Greek scholars came to Italy, and they brought with them knowledge of ancient Greek thinkers. This led to renewed interest in ancient philosophy and thought. The Italian city-states had often been at war with one another, and many looked to antiquity for a golden age that could be attained through education. This desire to bring about more prosperity and peace led to the Italian city-states being the birthplace of the Renaissance.
No comments:
Post a Comment