Which City-state Eventually Controlled All Of Western Europe?

Renaissance

Italian Urban center-States

History >> Renaissance for Kids

At the time of the Renaissance Italy was governed by a number of powerful city-states. These were some of the largest and richest cities in all of Europe. Some of the more of import city-states included Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Rome.

Italian city-states map
Map of Italian metropolis-states
(click picture to overstate)

What is a metropolis-state?

A city-state is a region that is independently ruled by a major urban center. Italy wasn't i unified land, simply a number of small-scale independent city-states. Some of these cities were run by elected leaders and others by ruling families. Often times these cities fought each other.

Why were they important?

The wealth of the Italian city-state played an of import role in the Renaissance. This wealth immune prominent families to support artists, scientists, and philosophers spurring on new ideas and artistic movements.

Florence

Florence is where the Renaissance beginning began. It was ruled by the powerful Medici Family who used their money to support artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. 1 of the early architectural achievements of the Renaissance was the massive dome on the Florence Cathedral. Florence was known for its material product also every bit a banking heart.

Milan

In the early 1400s Milan was still a Heart Ages metropolis focused on state of war and acquisition Florence. However, the Sforza family took over in 1450. They brought peace to the region and with peace came the new ideas and fine art of the Renaissance. Milan was famous for its metalwork which included suits of armor.

Venice

The island metropolis of Venice had become a powerful city-state through merchandise with the Far Eastward. It imported products such as spices and silk. All the same, when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, Venice'south trade empire began to shrink. Venice controlled the seas around the east declension of Italian republic and was famous for its artistic glassware.

Rome

The pope ruled both the Catholic Church and the metropolis-country of Rome. Much of the city of Rome was re-built under the leadership of Nicholas V beginning in 1447. Rome became a patron of the arts and supported the Renaissance through commissions to artists such equally Raphael and Michelangelo. Michelangelo worked as architect on St. Peter's Basilica and painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Naples

The city-state of Naples ruled much of southern Italy at the time of the Renaissance. It was one of the last city-states to comprehend the movement, but in 1443 Alfonso I conquered the city. He supported Renaissance artists, writers, and philosophers. Naples as well became known for its music and is where the mandolin was invented. Naples was captured by Spain in 1504.

Interesting Facts virtually the Italian City-States of the Renaissance

Guilds were powerful institutions in the urban center-states. In some urban center-states y'all had to be a fellow member of a guild to run for public office.
The small metropolis-country of Ferrara was known for its music and theatre.
The city-state of Urbino was known for its library as well every bit its cute ceramics.
Most of the people who lived in the urban center-states were craftsmen and merchants. This was a growing class of order during the Renaissance.
Milan, Naples, and Florence signed a peace treaty called the Peace of Lodi in 1454. This helped to establish boundaries and peace for around 30 years.

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