Chapter 11

Italian Renaissance
Greek and Roman Orders revisited, development of the Dome
A discovery of the individual, of the Greek philosopher Protagora’ s "Man is the Measure of all Things."

An Architecture of humanism which depended on confidence, a state of mind, a democratic government, and a respect for scholars. In Architecture, clarity, a sparing use of details, and elegance developed through simple geometric shapes - squares, circles, and triangles. It all began in Florence, the richest city in Europe at the turn of the 15th Century. It was a city of bankers, and wool merchants, who originally lived in fortified anti-riot homes, but who relaxed their austerity, resulting in a full range of human faculties, which became more important than making money.