Renaissance the Origin Story

Why Italy?

Loss of confidence in traditional society

Italy was an outlier

Italy had spice trade wealth

Like antiquity, Italy was mostly urban

Italian cites were independent republics, communes

Why?
Middle Ages was disastrous
Looked to the ancient Western world for inspiration

Let's look at Florence

What was the catalyst?

Liberal Education meant participation in politics and public affairs is necessary to be a mature citizen

Knowledge & Eloquence

• Moral Philosophy - good judgment
• Rhetoric- ablilty to communicate with others

Time to Rant

• Who are the modern oligarchies?