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Most of us think we know the general outline of the historical phenomenon we call the Renaissance. But, as this Cracked article points out, most of us don’t know jack. For example, you probably think that the Renaissance was caused by the rediscovery of classical texts, like those of Plato. Incorrect! In fact, those texts hadn’t really disappeared, and those texts had inspired two earlier ‘mini’ renaissances. So if that wasn’t the cause of the Renaissance proper, what was?

Have you heard the song that goes, “money makes the world go round”? Because that pretty much sums it up. Renaissance era Italy was flush with cash thanks to its thriving banking industries. The money lead powerful bankers-cum-politicians to sponsor artists. Voila, Renaissance.

See the rest at the full article.

Full story at Cracked.

More great history.

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