The Renaissance is believed to have begun in the 14th century within the different states of Italy, and by the 16th and 17th century have spread to the rest of Europe. The literal definition of Renaissance is ‘re-birth’. The Renaissance changed the way people thought about society and their surrounding world. People became more inquisitive for more knowledge,new ways of doing things and more open-minded that not everything was in the bible and that there was more to life than just religion.
There are a number of different reasons why the Renaissance came about and why it began in Italy. Firstly, Italy was organised in to city states e.g. Florence, Venice, which were in competition with each other. Secondly, there many large towns of Italy e.g. Rome were some of the most urbanised areas of Europe. Thirdly, the continuing wars between the states meant they were very competitive, and development and improvement was a key element to the states success. Fourthly, the church was very powerful in Italy as it was very rich and at the heart of any person living in the Middle Ages. People looked to the church for guidance and leadership, so started when it started to change and do things differently the people believed that it was what god wanted and followed. Geographically, the Italian ports were also crucial as they were at the centre of trade routes between Asia and Europe. Lastly, remains of the Roman Empire lay all around the people of Italy which inspired architecture and artwork.
Martha
There are a number of different reasons why the Renaissance came about and why it began in Italy. Firstly, Italy was organised in to city states e.g. Florence, Venice, which were in competition with each other. Secondly, there many large towns of Italy e.g. Rome were some of the most urbanised areas of Europe. Thirdly, the continuing wars between the states meant they were very competitive, and development and improvement was a key element to the states success. Fourthly, the church was very powerful in Italy as it was very rich and at the heart of any person living in the Middle Ages. People looked to the church for guidance and leadership, so started when it started to change and do things differently the people believed that it was what god wanted and followed. Geographically, the Italian ports were also crucial as they were at the centre of trade routes between Asia and Europe. Lastly, remains of the Roman Empire lay all around the people of Italy which inspired architecture and artwork.
Martha
