The Renaissance

Look at the map showing land areas controlled by Spain and those controlled by Italian city-states. Based on the map, what was one reason that the Renaissance began in Italy rather than in Spain?

• Italy was closer to Greece and its classical architecture.

• Spain had little contact with the outside world.

• Spain was not as united as Italy.

• Italy’s trading centers had direct access to knowledge preserved in the Muslim world.

Here is a general sequence of events in the development of the Renaissance. Which statement BEST fills in the blank? Event 1: Italy’s location encouraged trade. Event 2: ________ Event 3: Italy’s wealthy families became art patrons.

• New Italian city-states emerged to sponsor the Renaissance.

• The Renaissance spread beyond Italy to other countries in Europe.

• Italian merchants helped artists and writers study in Muslim lands.

• Italian city-states formed alliances to protect trade routes.

• Italian merchants gained wealth and political power.

The great wealth and influence of the Medicis helped transform Florence into a prominent Renaissance city by:

• Establishing alliances with neighboring city-states, fostering economic stability and growth.

• Promoting scientific advancements, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in Florence.

• Building grand public infrastructure projects, enhancing Florence's architectural beauty.

• Becoming patrons of the arts, supporting artists financially, encouraging a cultural growth in Florence.

Unlike most of Europe, Italy was divided into city-states that were governed by powerful merchant families or the Church. What impact did these families have on the development of the Renaissance?

• They supported artists and intellectuals, fostering cultural growth and innovation.

• They enforced strict laws that hindered artistic expression and creativity.

• They focused on sea trade and expansion rather than investing in arts and culture.

• They isolated themselves from cultural exchanges with other European regions.

What role did Italy’s geography play in the development of the Renaissance?

• Italy's central location prevented the ability to develop sea trade with other cultures.

• Italy's high mountain ranges isolated it from external influences, allowing local culture to flourish.

• Italy's central location in Europe facilitated the exchange of ideas and goods from various cultures.

• Italy's vast forests provided abundant resources for the construction of Renaissance buildings.

How did Italy's geography influence the beginning of the Renaissance?

• It was a peninsula, so trade by sea was easier.

• It was surrounded by deserts and mountains, so outside influence was limited.

• It was in the center of many wars, so it was difficult to afford to travel

• It was closer to the Muslim lands, so religious changes were easy to make.

How did the fact that Italy was divided into areas ruled by different cities help the Renaissance happen?

• They cooperated and shared ideas.

• They fought each other all the time and destroyed each others' cities.

• They competed with each other to build the best buildings and employ the best scientists.

• They lent money to each other.

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Italian Renaissance art?

• Use of perspective

• Abstract forms

• Lack of human figures

• Monochromatic color schemes

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which term best describes how Italy was organised politically by the start of the 1400s?

• Independent city states

• Empire

• Centralised monarchy

• Anarchy

Florence, Milan, Rome were all Italian ____________ during the Renaissance

• Frescos

• Humanisms

• City States

• Architects