The document discusses the roles that geography and history played in the birth of the Renaissance in Italy. Geographically, Italy's location in Europe and along the Mediterranean Sea facilitated trade with other regions, exposing Italy to ideas from places like the Arab world. This helped generate wealth that funded artistic works. Historically, Italy was home to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, whose artistic and intellectual works inspired Renaissance artists and scholars to revive classical ideas and forms. They looked to Roman ruins and artifacts for inspiration and moved away from strictly religious themes in art. The region's historical figures were also seen as models of human potential and reason.