Italian City-States in the Renaissance

During the Renaissance, Italian city-states were independent, powerful regions like Florence, Venice, and Milan. They thrived due to trade, banking, and a flourishing culture, becoming centers of art, science, and politics. Wealthy merchants and families, such as the Medici, sponsored artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, fostering innovation and creativity. These city-states often competed with each other, leading to unique contributions to culture and governance. Their legacy includes advancements in art, literature, and humanism, which significantly shaped Western civilization and laid the groundwork for the modern era.