Renaissance and Italian Monarchs

Italy at the end of the Middle Ages was only a geographical concept, but not a national concept. On this narrow and slightly chaotic peninsula, small countries under the rule of powerful families compete for power. Foreign monarchs who take advantage of the chaos, dukes from Qin Dynasty and Mu Chu Dynasty, profit-seeking mercenaries, and selfish mayors. Not all of them are cruel and immoral, but they are equally ambitious. Some rely on strong military power, others use subtle and cunning diplomatic skills, and everyone competes to show their strength on the political stage. However, Italy in the 15th century was also the cradle of the Renaissance. Monarchs who fought against each other were also the first generous patrons of literature and art, striving to build a new order in a chaotic political environment: they built classical-style buildings, purchased sculptures and paintings to decorate their castles, funded universities on the verge of bankruptcy, and hired humanists to educate their children. In their lives, in-laws and enemies exchanged, and war and art intertwined. The author of this book selects the most representative Italian families of that era, places their contribution to the Renaissance in this passionate and turbulent era, and outlines the outline of Italian history at that time.