How did Italy's city-states become wealthy?

Answer 1

Now there is a reason for this, but it will take someone more bright than me to explain it to you: for some reason Europe makes an advance in technology in the Middle Ages which was unmatched by others. What makes the European go exploring I do not know, no Japanese or Chinese or Indian vessels ever sailed up the Thames or Tagus. Far less did they come here to conquer (I'm in UK) as we did going there. And we took weapons with us, the bayonet and the musket & the lance armed cavalryman. And here comes the important bit: We exploited to the full the people and the lands we conqured. Yes, sure the British took them Chgristianity and Cricket. But we are no less guilty, more so in many instances, of exploitation. The British in particular built a massive trading fleet, and then along came the Industrial Revolution at just the right time. Bingo ! That's not only particular to Britain, it happened all over Europe. But quite why it happened when it did I do not know, I like to call it an accident of history, but I'm not sure that is quite the truth.

Answer 2

Italy was so wealthy because of their famous explorers such as, Marco Polo, etc

Answer 3

the largest city-state were Venice, which become powerful off of taxes at ports, and florence which prospered from the wool trade.

Answer 4

other people gave them cheese.

Answer 5

It ate ham