CHAPTER XX.

THE RENAISSANCE AT FLORENCE.--A.D. 1400 TO 1492.

Classic revival in Italy encouraged by her princes. Robert of Naples. Great men of the Renaissance. School of Victorino da Feltre, and the “Casa Giojosa.” Encouragement given by the Popes to the new learning. Depraved character of many of the classic scholars. Filelfo and Lorenzo Valla. The Medici at Florence. Its Greek scholars. Poggio Bracciolini. The Platonic Academy of Cosmo de’ Medici. Marsilius Ficinus. John Picus Mirandola. The Roman Academy. Pomponius Lætus. Politian begins to lecture at Florence. Fascination of his style. Florence under Lorenzo de’ Medici. Corruption of manners at this time. Savonarola. 599