Renaissance first began in Italy where masterpieces of literature, architecture, sculpture, painting, music and science were first produced which became a source of perennial inspiration to others in subsequent years.
According to Prof. Fisher it was natural that the renaissance of European art and literature should have taken place in Italy, a land where “the marbles of antiquity still gleaned among the cypresses and olives, and the tradition of humane learning, descending from classical times had never been wholly interrupted.” Italy took lead in ushering Renaissance on account of number of reasons.
Firstly, Italy was the seat of the glorious Romans and all the historical remains and relics of the great Roman Empire lay scattered there, which naturally attracted the scholars and artists. In fact the ancient Roman civilization never completely disappeared from Italy because a lot of Latin literature lay hidden in the monasteries. This naturally provided an impetus to the scholars in Italy.
Secondly, as a result of the fall of Constantinople in 1453, a large number of Greek scholars and thinkers migrated to Italy along with their original manuscripts and art treasures. They instilled a spirit of enquiry and enthusiasm among the people of Italy and encouraged them to take to the study of classics. They admirably succeeded in firing the imagination of a large number of Italian artists and men of letters to produce masterpieces of art and literature.
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Thirdly, the enormous wealth which Italy had accumulated as a result of trade with the East also greatly contributed to renaissance. Wealthy merchants of Italy extended patronage to artists and literary figures and used their wealth for the revival of classical culture and literature. It is well known that Florence which was one of the flourishing cities of Italy became a great centre of scholars.
An academy was set up at Florence where scholars met and discussed Plato. A large number of books and manuscripts were also collected at Florence. According to Prof. H.A.L. Fisher, “During two hundred years (1340-1540) the cities of Italy produced an output of art, scholarship and literature, such as the world had not seen since the glory of ancient Athens.”
Fourthly, the newly established contract of Europeans with the Asians on account of Crusades and geographical explorations greatly broadened their vision and reoriented theii life style which provided an impetus to Renaissance.