The Renaissance is more than the badly acted fairs that dot the American landscape.

The Renaissance begins in Italy. But to understand Italy during this time means to acknowledge that Italy was actually dozens of city-states independently ruled and often at war with one another.

Venice becomes the shipping leader of Europe and the Middle East due to its location on the Adriatic.

Florence's contribution to the Renaissance begins with the banking system started by the powerful Medici family.

The Sforza family of Milan supported artists like DaVinci who actually made more money designing weapons than he did with his artwork.
Milan became well known for developing metal craft.

Although Rome had become an aging city, it's place as the center of Christendom allows it to be reborn during the Renaissance.

Although not as advanced as many parts of the world at the start of the Renaissance, Europe's resources will help propel society.

Europe's proximity to the Middle East aids European advancement. The Middle East was more advanced in science, math, medicine and technology.

The Italian city-states location along the Mediterranean gives European's an advantage in the blossoming of a new global economy.