Florence grew as Roman colony in 59BC. Captured by the Lombards, emerged from the Dark Ages as independent city/state. By 13th century. wool and textile industry and banking made Florence powerful. Most influential family were the Medici, banking dynasty. Florence's weaalthy patrons provided the push for artistic growth (artists, sculptures, and architects) Writers such aas Dante, Petarch, and Miciavelli also contributed, but it was the artists (Botticelli, Michelangelo and Donatello) that turned it into an art capital.