Origins of The Renaissance

The Renaissance started in northern Italy about 1350 right after the black death. The renaissance spanned from 14th to 16th centuries spreading across Europe from its birthplace Italy. The french word Renaissance means "rebirth".

One family that was important during the Renaissance was the Medici family. There they were the richest bankers in Italy and made people pursue the arts, science, etc. The Medici family affected the Renaissance in which giving people the chance to do art, and many other activities that were included in this past period.

Even though the Black Death killed millions, it did have positive results. Workers who survived could charge more money for their labor. In addition, the disease didn’t damage farmland, buildings, ships, machines, or gold. People who survive could use these things to make more money, raise more food, and products. Europe’s economy began to rise after this.

The Silk Road was once a major trading route across Asia. It later on became a dangerous place and so, it was declined. However, a family once made the roads safer for the travelers and traders. They were called the Marco Polo family. Marco Polo was one of the greatest travelers in history. He went from Europe to China and spent 20 years living, working, and traveling to Asia.

There are trading four northern Italian cities that have become a trading cities. The cities were Genoa, Milan, Venice, and Florence. Shoppers there could buy beautiful things from Asia. Residents could meet strangers from faraway places and hear many languages on the streets.

Italian cities played two very important role in trade. One was the ports on the Mediterranean Sea. Venice and were Italy’s main port cities. Merchant shipped goods across Europe.