THESE STATEMENTDuring the Renaissance, Florence benefited from a mercantile economy thanks to the guilds, the quality and variety of products as well as the style and management of the market.OBJECTIVE STATEMENTThrough historical and economic data this research paper will express how Florence prospered through a merchant economy during the Renaissance.INTRODUCTIONThe Renaissance was the rebirth of Europe and it all began in the city of Florence . Florence and everything that made it a standard Renaissance city: painters, sculptors, writers, architects and a living culture. Soon, all of Europe would follow in Florence's footsteps and "the setting is as rich, varied, exuberant and inventive as Italy in the Renaissance" (Cohen 1). Painters and sculptors defined Renaissance culture and could actually earn a living through their patronage. The Renaissance was the age of merchants and thanks to merchants, the economy and culture developed. Many people remember the Renaissance through the works of Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael. What many people don't know about the Renaissance is that the textile industry was more famous and more profitable than the painters' industry. Florence was the ideal place to get your goods due to its location. Merchants traveled to Florence to sell their unique products, buy, sell, or make fabrics, and participate in guilds. Florence was the pioneer of the Renaissance, whatever they did everyone wanted to do it because Florence was very successful. “No great city was ever built far from water… [Florence] was now more vulnerable, but it had easy access to an important trade route. There were good river communications to the west and passable passages through the mountains... middle of paper ... I'll come and buy things. The markets still sell the same things like food and clothing, but they also sell collectibles, souvenirs, and leather goods. Florence's markets still sell things you've never seen before, just like merchants did during the Renaissance. Leather, silk and fabric items from Florence are still popular around the world. “American importers place a high value on Florence's products, and tourists spend freely in its fashionable boutiques” (Florence). The quality of the products has stood the test of time and Florence is still known for its leather and silks. Market stall owners still like to haggle over the price of their products and some of them feel insulted if you don't haggle with them. Florence's beginnings in the Renaissance as a Renaissance city have served them well over the years and are still one of the greatest cities in the world..