Beginning of Essay
“…the most varied forms of human development are found united in the history of Florence, which in this sense deserves the name of the first modern State in the world, “ (Burckhardt) Florence was the birthplace of the renaissance and the perfect ....

Middle of Essay
.... of Florence, there were battles between the guilds, which involved ransacking the city. This demonstrates how important the guilds were. They were more than just corporations or labor unions,” (Bynog). The 12 guilds that controlled trade were the key to Florence’s commercial success. This was because the wealthy members of the guilds usually held government positions as well and were very influential in the community (Focus on Florence). Other purposes guilds served were charity. They donated money to the city and to hospitals. Since Florence was not a coastal city it got little money from trade. Much of its income came from its ban ....