Activity 2
Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?
The Renaissance was a rich and exciting period in our human history, especially after the bleakness of the Middle Ages and the devastation left in the wake of the Black Death. It was a time of travel and the discovery of long-lost classical manuscripts from Greek and Roman times; ideas that had long been forgotten, inspired amazing developments in art, literature, science, architecture and philosophy. Stern and superstitious religious beliefs were challenged by theories of clear thinking, logic and reason, scientific investigation and freer artistic expression – summed up by the term ‘humanism’.
But why did it begin in Italy?
Examine the following key fact cards to find out why the Renaissance began in Italy.
1
Renaissance trade routes map
Italy is surrounded by three seas and the main trade routes from the east passed through Asia and the Middle East and onwards to the Italian ports of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice which imported luxury goods such as spices, dyes and silks, wool and especially alum used to fix dye to fabric. Italy also produced agricultural goods and crafted items such as cloth, glassware and metal work for export. Ruling families competed for a monopoly on trade and the resultant wealth naturally attracted artists, scholars and skilled craftspeople.
2
Humanists
As long-lost classical texts from Greece and Rome (Cicero, Plato and Aristotle) were rediscovered, new values emerged in both society and religion. The Humanists promoted a revival in classical literature and ancient texts and prized the values of individualism and the separation of church and state. Many Greek-speaking scholars moved into Italy and especially Florence with their books and knowledge and the invention of the printing press helped these new ideas flourish and challenge the power of universities and the Catholic Church.
3
Trade, banking and manufacturing
At the time of the Renaissance Italy was governed by a number of powerful city-trade centred states – Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Rome. The city merchants and ruling families furnished their homes with skillfully crafted furnishings, the latest in fine art and newly published books. Wealth generated from trade, banking and manufacturing enabled prominent families as well as wealthy guilds to support artists, scientists, philosophers and educators in sharing new ideas and rich art forms.
4
Cosimo de’ Medici
Kings, popes, princes, cardinals, poets, and humanists, as well as cathedrals, convents, and monasteries—all sorts of patrons shaped Renaissance artistic culture by engaging artists to fulfill their commissions. However, a significant amount of the art and architecture that was produced in Florence at the beginning of the Renaissance was due to the Medici family who supported the painter Masaccio, the architect Brunelleschi, artists Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and the famous scientists Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.
5
Hospital of the Innocents
The Ospedale degli Innocenti was a charity institution built by Brunelleschi for the Silk Guild in 1419 that was responsible for the welfare of abandoned children. It represented social and humanistic views of Florence during the early Renaissance. Built in the 15th century, children were received, wet-nursed then weaned. Boys learned reading and writing and were taught skills according to their capabilities. Girls were taught to cook, sew and were given dowries to enhance chances of marriage. They could also choose to become nuns.
6
Boom in shipbuilding
Shipbuilding also improved during the Renaissance with Venice leading the way. Larger sail-powered ships called galleons replaced oar driven vessels more suited to rivers than oceans. The sailing ships could go further and thus better meet the ever increasing demand for imported goods. For traders, sailing was also a better option than traveling by land as the roads crisscrossing Europe were poor and travelers were frequently set upon by bandits.
Your Task
Answer the questions below on screen or in this Word Doc version to save your answers.
KEY FACT CARDS |
This card tells me that the Renaissance began in Italy because... |
1. Trade Routes |
|
2. Greek philosophers |
|
3. Florence |
|
4. Cosimo de’ Medici |
|
5. Hospital of the Innocents |
|
6. Venice |
|
Image credits
- https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/41869471507957864/
- Tim Gurry
- Smithsonian magazine