What was the political situation among the Italian city states and the Papal States during the Renaissance?

Answer 1

The Italian Renaissance was the beginning of a great change in the culture and successes of Europe which marked the transition between the Medieval and Modern times. It made sense for the Renaissance to embark from the surrounding city-states in Italy because of its close and centered location in the Roman Empire. After the dissolving of the Western Roman Empire many cities such as Venice and Florence had become large trade and commerce centers in Italy. Unlike most countries and territories in Europe during the time who were made up of unified states, the Italian peninsula was one of many different political and cultural elements. Unlike the monarchies of France and Spain, who gave absolute power to their rulers, the Italian States kept both Church control and Imperial power at arms length. These ways of political rule can be very closely compared to that of a Republic. During the Renaissance, Papal authority and territory expanded greatly, making the Pope one of Italy's most important and powerful rules. His duties of course still remained with the Church as well. Much of these territories though were given over to minor princes to rule. The political situation in Italy at this time seems to be much different from the rest of Europe.