"It is undoubtedly a golden age," the humanist Marsilio Ficino wrote five hundred years ago about Renaissance, "which has restored to the light the liberal arts that had almost been destroyed: grammar, poetry, eloquence, painting, sculpture, architecture, music" (Mee Jr., 5). The 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe were the time of unprecedented changes. In about 1450s, European scholars became more interested in studying the world around them, their art became more true to life, and they began to explore new lands. The new age in Europe was eventually called "the Renaissance." The word Renaissance itself is derived from the Latin word rinascere, which means to be reborn. Historians consider the Renaissance to be the beginning of modern history; the time of revolution in almost every aspect of life. Many dramatic changes occurred during this time in the fields of philosophy, art, politics, and literature. New emphasis was placed on enjoying life and the world around. Talented individuals sought self-gratification through art, literature, and architecture, and their achievements would influence future generations for centuries to come.
             In the 15th century, the leading families of Florence - the most important center of Renaissance learning in history - decided they needed a strong person in charge to lead them against the growing threat of rival cities. They chose Cosimo de Medici, a wealthy banker, to take control of the government. Cosimo maintained the appearance of republican government, but he appointed his relatives and people he could control to important positions. The best known of the Medicis was Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo, who was known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent." Lorenzo was not only a shrewd banker and clever politician; he was also a scholar and a poet. Under Lorenzo's leadership, Florence became one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in Italy, as well as a center of the Renaissance....