John Fowls wrote that "In essence the Renaissance was simply the green end of one of civilization's harshest winters" (1969). He couldn't have been more correct. The world before the Renaissance was bleak; a place full of wars, plagues and poverty. The Renaissance brought (among other concepts) beauty, art, humanitarianism, and greater mercantilism. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy, was also home to an influential family, the Medici. The Medici were a critical factor in the prosperity of the Renaissance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Although it is a fairly specific time period, the Renaissance is, arguably, more of a movement in society than an actual historical period. From approximately 1400 to 1600, the Renaissance brought changes and evolution in the arts, sciences, religious ideas, and philosophy (Szalay 2016). It is during this period that some of the most important works of art (Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, etc.) and the most innovative scientific ideas and inventions (the printing press, Galileo's telescope, etc.) were born. The belief that progress conflicted with godliness was gradually abandoned, leaving people free to learn and create in new ways. In the wake of the Black Death, many families seized the opportunity to improve their social standing and wealth. The Black Death cost the lives of many in Europe, and those who held public office were not immune. The Medici family settled in Florence, Italy; and like others, they began to acquire prominent positions within the city (Szalay 2016). Throughout the Renaissance period, the Medici were an influential family, with ties to many other families and the Catholic Church. They were financially prosperous and ardent supporters of the arts for two centuries. Florence was a place of wealth during the Renaissance. This was partly due to the success of mercantilism and geographic location. Another aspect of Florence's financial prosperity was the Medici family. The Medicis owned a bank in Florence and one in Rome. The financial brilliance of their bank was due to the Catholic Church. The Medici bank collected tithes for Roman Catholics, and those who did not pay risked excommunication from the church (PBS 2018). The association with the Catholic Church brought the Medici not only great business, but also ties to the Papacy. Their business afforded the family an extravagant lifestyle, prominence in politics and community, and the means with which to support the arts. Furthermore, it brought some stability to the area. Their business also helped Florence's merchants and artisans prosper as it brought business to the area. The Medici were a prominent family in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance. With their social status, they developed many bonds that provided them with many advantages. As noted, they had ties to the Pope and the Catholic Church through their bank. This provided the Medici family with an advantage in legislation, policies and government appointments. The Medici used these advantages to place friends and family members in positions of high status or prominence throughout the community. In doing so, they created a “favor system” (PBS 2018). The Medici not only used these owed favors to gain greater financial and political advantage, but they also used them as a way to support Renaissance artisans. Many wealthy families supported the arts during the Renaissance by commissioning works to be performed. It was considered a symbol of wealth to have works of art created by certain artists. The Medici were avid supporters,.