Wealthy families built tall stone towers (like "medieval skyscrapers") to show off their power and defend themselves during street fights with rival families. 4. Social Classes: Who lived there?
While much of Europe in the Middle Ages was made up of small villages and feudal estates, Italy was different. By the 11th–12th centuries, it became a land of powerful, independent cities. Because of its location in the Mediterranean, Italy became the "bridge" for trade between Europe and the East (Byzantium and the Arab world). Wealthy families built tall stone towers (like "medieval
A Medieval Italian city was a maze of narrow, winding streets, but it had specific landmarks: While much of Europe in the Middle Ages
Mention that the word "Bank" comes from the Italian word banco (the bench or counter where money-changers sat in the marketplace). A Medieval Italian city was a maze of
Here is a comprehensive draft you can use for your presentation. 1. Introduction: Why Italy Was Special