The document provides background information on how Florence gained leadership of the Renaissance. Florence was at the center of the cultural and economic changes associated with the Renaissance, which first began there. Its central location in Italy and access to trade supported agricultural and commercial prosperity. The wealthy Medici family, who ruled Florence for many years, were important patrons of the arts and ideas. They supported humanism, a new way of thinking that studied ancient Greek and Roman writings. Humanism emphasized human potential and drove many Renaissance achievements, establishing Florence as the birthplace and leader of the cultural movement in Italy.