Ponte Giulio
Renascentist Florence by Alex Simon
A city state situated on the River Arno in Tuscany, central Italy. Florence was founded as the Roman military colony of Florentia. During the late Middle Ages it developed from a small city of moneylenders and cloth manufacturers to become a major Italian power and a dominating European influence during the period of the Renaissance. Its vernacular was the basis of the modern Italian language; in political and social development it gave Europe the model of an ideal prince and the first example of a genuine bourgeoisie. The Bardi, Medici, and other banking and commercial houses extended their power and influence throughout Europe. In learning and the arts Florence led the Renaissance.
During the earlier years of the Renaissance Florence's achievements were made in the face of political turmoil. Throughout the 14th century it was a battleground for the conflict of Guelfs and Ghibellines, and it was constantly threatened by Milanese expansionism. Its merchant oligarchy was riven by feuds and threatened by the poorer citizens, notably in the revolt of the ciompi (1378). By 1434 the Medici family had established their power in the city; the rich merchant families were generally prepared to accept Medici rule, which preserved the republican forms of government, gave them stability, and extended Florence's power over Tuscany, but the city did free itself briefly from the Medici for two periods during the Wars of Italy (1494