What was florence italy like as a city state in the renaissance?
The city’s economy and its writers, painters, architects, and philosophers all made Florence a model of Renaissance culture. Fifteenth-century Florence was an exciting place to be. In 1425 the city had a population of 60,000 and was a self-governed, independent city-state. Twelve artist guilds that regulated the trades were the basis of Florence’s commercial success. Members of the guilds, who were wealthy and held positions in government, were some of Florence’s most influential people in society and politics. Because of its strong economy and a political philosophy that was dedicated to the welfare of the city, Florence thrived. Much of Florence’s wealth was dependent on the manufacture or trade of cloth, primarily wool. Wool of superior quality was often purchased unfinished and untreated from England and Iberia. Florentine textile workers then cleaned, carded, spun, dyed, and wove the wool into cloth of excellent quality. They sold the finished material in Italy, northern European
