Birth of the Renaissance
History: KS3, topic 5.1.1
The Birth of the Renaissance
‘Renaissance’ means ‘rebirth’. The Renaissance began in Italy in the 14th century.
The beginning of the Renaissance
- The Renaissance began in Florence during the 14th century.
- During this period, Italy was not one unified country, but made up of small ‘city-states’. These states all had their own unique identity, for example Florence or Venice.
Growth of the city state
- The development of powerful city-states drove the Renaissance.
- The rise of trade exposed Italian city-states to different cultures.
Wealth and the arts
- This trade also made merchants wealthier.
- This meant they had more money to invest in culture and the arts.
- Many merchants became patrons (meaning they gave financial support to artists).
- The Medicis, for example, were a powerful Florentine family who patronised artists.
Migration of Scholars
- Following the collapse of the Constantinople in 1453, many Greek scholars migrated to Florence and neighbouring states.
- They brought their ideas to Italy.
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When did The Renaissance begin?