Starting in the 14th century, Italy once again became a leading force—this time through art, science, and thought. From Florence to Venice, from Milan to Rome, an unparalleled creative ferment exploded. Michelangelo was sculpting the Pietà while Leonardo sketched The Last Supper and his flying machines, Raphael painted The School of Athens, and Machiavelli reflected on the figure of the enlightened ruler.

And although Italy was divided into city‑states, patron popes, ambitious bankers, and enlightened princes helped turn the peninsula into the laboratory of ideas of modern Europe.