Why did the renaissance start in Florence?
Florence was one of the wealthiest areas in Italy during the Renaissance. (That entire area actually was.) It was also a MAJOR trade route because of it’s geographic location, and it was a very active commerce center. (The manufacture of woolen cloth alone was a large revenue source in Florence as this was a material highly in demand) Those factors worked in conjunction with the rise of Roman Catholicism in the region to build a robust political climate where change and new ideas could flourish. (Probably a reason why a lot of Renaissance art you see, especially early work, is religious in theme.) Also, the feudal system began to come to an end, giving people more freedom and independence which also helped them focus on building wealth and patronize the arts. (Remember that painters, sculptors back them usually commissioned and did not “do art for art’s sake” primarily.) The Medici family was also a major force at play here. They were a banking family and based in Florence and huge pat
