The Renaissance was a period during the Middle ages that brought forth new innovations in arts and sciences. This period sparked great thinkers who were very much ahead of their time period. The age of discovery was brought to its peak under the influence of the city-state of Florence, Italy.
             Florence's political structure was strong during the Renaissance. It was a city-state devoted to the people. This was a key point in helping "Florence thrive to be a powerhouse." ("Focus on Florence") The population was "over 60,000 people during this time," ("Focus on Florence") which was an abundance considering the time period. During this period Florence was a "self-governed, independent city-state." (Focus on Florence") Florence was a city that was governed to "protect the businessman and keep him in power." (Jacobs 16) To hold office you had to belong to one of the merchant guilds. There still wasn't a powerful dynasty or ruler. The highest ranking officials in the city, the priors, only held term for two months. This made the atmosphere of Florence very cutthroat. "Each person was pulling for their own specific group." (Jacobs 17) It made many citizens uneasy. This atmosphere also led the way to the wonderful world of patronage. This was controlled by a wealthy banking!
             family known as the Medici's.
             The Medici's first came to power around 1434. The family had a "strong tradition for the love of arts." ("Medici's") They didn't only have a strong tradition, but they also were educated about what they liked. The Medici's touched all three branches of art; musical, visual and literary. An example of this is the Augustine Church of San Lorenzo, which stands behind the Medici mansion. This church was "made through Medici patronage. Brunselleschi designed the building plans and the old sacristy, Donatello des...