Watch the above from the BEGINNING to 26:00  It's pretty interesting so it should go by quickly. Also, IGNORE the names of the people. Pay attention to the themes of the disease, how it spread, why people got sick, what Europe looked like (urban=CITIES) during this time period. Also, a map detailing the Italian Peninsula will be shown a few times. remember, a peninsula is surrounded on three sides by water. "geography is destiny" and these "italians" were great sailors and business people. Consider how new ideas will transform "italy" before the rest of Europe. Remember, the REBIRTH of classical (greco Roman) cultural and knowledge starts in "italy." 

 

Giovanni Boccaccio will write a book called the Decameron(combines GRECO-ROman words=Ten Days) detailing life of 7 ladies and 3 dudes who were hiding OUTSIDE the city walls of Florence during the outbreak of Plague. It has tales of love as well as tragedy. It details folks' who really have no idea what's next. Is the world over? Sure seems like it with the Plague. Cool thing about it, it is written in the vernacular(language) FLORENTINE language(florence) Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Books like Decameron and the later Dante's Divine Comedy(also written in florentine dialect) will HELP create the specific Italian language. Remember, western language was rooted in the Vulgate of Latin. It evolves from region to region(france, germany, eng, spain, italy, etc)These books serve to create the Italian language which is rooted in Florence. 

 

You'd be crazy not to pay attention to the stuff i'm sending your way. A key to being a Successful AP student is always heed my advice. More to come on the Medici tomorrow!! If you need ANY help, EMAIL ME!