Italian cities became important as trade centers and as commercial centers. Trading secured the Italian-city states with power and money to assume cultural leadership in the 14th-century Europe.
This wealth helped sustain the political and social changes that were occurring at the time. Such cities as Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome dominated life in Italy for generations.
The Renaissance is generally accepted to have started in Italy. Many believe that this was due to its almost perfect location between Western Europe and the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean.
The northern city of Venice, on the northern shores of of the Adriatic sea, nearly the entire population was inlolved in some way with Oriental trade.
The city of Florence, located along the Arno River in Italy, was a center for European banking and manufacturing. Great textile mills were located in Florence. Nearly one out of every three Florentines was involved in the woolen industry.
For furher reading, refer to Tim McNeese's book The The Renaissance.
More helpful information about this topic can be found at All-About-Renaissance-Faire.com.
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