His202

City-States and Republics in Renaissance Italy.

Republics in Northern Italy taking on greater independence at the start of the 14th century.

Technically it wasn't really an empire either. The emperor was not born into that position. It was up to the rulers of the principalities to elect a ruler from among them. Up until the early 11th and 12th centuries the election process was dangerous and unstructured. During the Salian dynasty they held tight control over the empire (the investiture controversy - the emperor has tight control over the administration).

In 1356 Emperor Charles the Fourth put in a far more stringent election process which cemented a decentralisation of power. At that point they decided that there would only be 7 electors. So the chaotic tensions of the 11-12th centuries would be put to rest. These electors were quite politically influential people. In this case the power of the electors centered around the Lorraine river. So you have the archbishops entering the fray as well. What would usually happen is that they would elect hereditary rulers, just because they held greater influence of the electors. This process had nothing to do with the Pope. Once elected the emperor was consecrated by the Pope. It's like a confederation of states, choosing one amongst them to be their figurehead and leader. Obviously the holy Roman empire and its idiosyncrasies would have a large role to play in the spread of humanitas and thus reform.

They are in a balancing act between the powers of the papacy and the powers of the empire.

What we know as Italy is mashed up and divided into many city states.

Silk is highly important in the growth of Tuscany, as well as banking and trade. Trade with luxuries in the East. The emerging commercial class in Florence drives the prosperity of the region and in particular brings to prominence families. Banking was lucrative. Bankers made money out of those who had some but not enough.

There were strong civil and canon representatives in the same place. Some larger centres like Florence and Milan.

Noble families were joining together and forming mini republics. Independently and autonomous community.

Factional politics began to erupt - with those on the papal side and those on the civic side.

Florence was converted into a town who accepted all papal degrees and it was run by a tyrannical monk in the late 15th century.

Most of the humanist literature and philosophy comes out of Italy.

revival of ancient learning since the 12th century

and the formation of autonomous free thinking and fiercely patriotic