Renaissance Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Middle Ages
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Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?
The Renaissance brought about the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the modern world. There were a number of reasons or causes to explain why the Renaissance began in Italy.
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Ruins of Ancient Rome: These were studied and copied by Italian artists and by artists from northern Europe. Artists wanted to create works of art that equalled or improved on those of Ancient Rome.
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Fall of Constantinople: Many scholars (educated people) fled to Italy before the city of Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. They brought with them the learning of Ancient Greece and Rome. They taught mathematics, history, geogra- phy, philosophy, astronomy and medicine in Italy.
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The printing press: The invention of the printing press meant cheaper books so that knowledge about ancient Greece and Rome spread around Italy and Europe.
Wealth and patronage: Italy grew rich from trade so Italian merchants and rulers (such as de Medici in Florence) were patrons of the Arts by sponsoring the work of artists. They wanted to show off their power and status.
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City-states such as Florence, Rome and Milan competed with each other to produce great works of art and architecture.