Major GeneralizationsItaly

Humanism Interest in Classical

World Individualism Why in Italy?

The re-definition of the universe leads to a new definition of personal identity.

The Classical Period serves as a model for intellectual and cultural development.

Italy’s location and wealthy merchants combine to create the Renaissance.

Western Europe follow Italy’s lead but adaptations.

1.VeniceVenice: center of trade and a world power; republic in name but run by an oligarchy of merchant aristocrats.

2. MilanMilan: republic, but run by the despots of the Sforza family.

3. FlorenceFlorence: republic, influenced by the Medici banking family ruling from behind the scenes.

4. Papal StatesPapal States: under the rule of important noble families, Pope Alexander VI and his son Cesare Borgia among them.

5. Kingdom of NaplesKingdom of Naples: all of southern Italy; long disputed by Spanish and French

***Fight for power led to competition with each other, preventing unification against potential foreign enemies

New definition of man… a view of life that has the individual as it central focus;

"to mankind, mankind is holy“ Focus on this world…secularismsecularism

• Involvement in civic affairs• Individual credit for achievement• Curiosity about geographic limits• Awareness of manners and morals• Interest and involvement in rhetoric, science,

medicine, math and understanding human nature

"VirtuVirtu": quality of being a man, successful demonstration of human powers

Dante Boccaccio Petrarch L. Bruni L. Valla Pico D. Mirandola Lorenzo De Medici Machiavelli Castiglione Christine De Pisan