To what extent did a thriving economy and strong leadership provide a foundation for the achievements of the italian renaissance

A thriving economy and a strong leadership formed the basis for the Italian Renaissance. Italy was very favorably situated for maritime trade being right on the Mediterranean not far from the Middle Eastern and Arab countries (and north African) so as a result trade fluorished. Also, city states in Italy were run by powerful families like the Medicis who were also patrons of the arts.The strong economy helped to make the transition from the Middle Ages and feudalism to capitalism.