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The Worlds of the Renaissance: Projects - Kim Smolik

Primary Document: Ideal Society
Florence

Leonardo Bruni
Panegyric to the City of Florence
Student Questions

INTRODUCTION

1. Why is Bruni writing?
   
   
   
   
2. What characteristics does Bruni initially state are those that make Florence great?
   
   
   
   

SETTING

1. Why are Florence's inhabitants to be praised?
   
   
   
   
2. How is the Aristotelian rule of moderation observed in Florence?
   
   
   
   
3. What are the qualities of a prosperous city?
   
   
   
   

ARCHITECTURE

1. What is Florence not lacking? Who do they have to thank for this?
   
   
   
   

MILITARY

1. What claims can Florence make in the area of military greatness?
   
   
   • War
     
     
     
   • troops
     
     
     

AGRICULTURE

1. What constitutes successful agricultural production according to Bruni?
   
   
   
   

LOCATION

1. How does Bruni justify a city not on the sea? What advantages does he argue?
   
   
   
   

MANNER OF CITIZENS and ORIGINS

1. What value do ancestors provide?
   
   
   
   
2. What tradition of ancestry does Florence come from?
   
   
   
   
3. Why is this of value?
   
   
   
   

REPUBLICANISM

1. Describe the tradition Florence holds in government structure.
   
   
   
   

LAW AND ORDER

1. Describe the environment created in Florence due to its civil institutions.
   
   
   
   
2. What role do the Magistrates have and how is their influence felt in Florence?
   
   
   
   
3. Who benefits from Florence's orderly society?
   
   
   
   

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