the renaissance was a significant cultural breakthrough and largely happened in italy, which i believe is the case because italy was close to an important center of power (rome), which is because rome was the epicenter of a big empire centuries earlier. that gave it a lot of connections and gave it a cultural boost for centuries later.

what if the same thing happens with the US in a few centuries?

  • nagaram@startrek.website
    2·
    16 hours ago

    I recommend

    “SPQR” by Mary Beard for a good comprehensive book on Roman history

    If you prefer chronology for some reason

    “The origin of empire” by David Potter is really good

    Also “Inventing the Renaissance” By Ada Palmer

    I went to college for this shit and these books, while very long, do basically smarize everything I learned on these two subjects. So I’ve saved you probably $10,000