Which statements correctly describe why the Renaissance began in the Italian city-states? Choose all answers that are correct.
A. The ruins of the Roman Empire still stood in Italy, and people there maintained a connection with the learning of the past.
B. Some wealthy merchants used their wealth to support humanist ideas, learning, art, architecture, and literature.
C. The popes established a school for artists that attracted the finest talent from throughout Europe.
D. Italy had not suffered from the dark days of the Middle Ages or from the plague.
Answer (2)
The correct answer is B. Some wealthy merchants used their wealth to support humanist ideas, learning, art, architecture, and literature. This was common throughout Italy at that time and one of the most famous examples is the Medici family from Florence who were known for their great investments in art and literature. People like Michelangelo and Leonardo were patroned by these wealthy merchants and the rest is history.
The Renaissance began in Italy due to the connection with classical Roman heritage (A) and the support of wealthy merchants for the arts and humanism (B). The Medici family is a prominent example of this patronage. Statements C and D are either misleading or incorrect regarding the reasons for the Renaissance's emergence.
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