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Why was Milan prosperous during the Sforza family’s rule?
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Milan
Shoppers in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan.
Milan experienced a period of significant prosperity during the rule of the Sforza family, which began when Francesco Sforza took power in 1450. This era, often considered the golden period of the Italian Renaissance, was driven by several key factors:1
- Economic Development: The Sforza rulers actively encouraged commerce and industry. A major catalyst for this growth was the introduction and expansion of the silk industry, alongside the continued production of wool.12
- Agricultural Innovation: Rulers such as Galeazzo Maria Sforza took a direct interest in agriculture. He oversaw the construction of canals for irrigation and transportation and introduced the cultivation of rice to the region.2
- Cultural Patronage: The Sforza court became a renowned center of splendor, attracting and supporting musicians, artists, poets, and scholars. This patronage fostered a vibrant intellectual and artistic environment, exemplified by the architectural development of the Sforzesco Castle and the presence of masters like Leonardo da Vinci.1234