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The Renaissance marked a historic turning point in Italy, as intellectuals and artists flourished. Fleeing Byzantium brought ancient knowledge into the Italian realms. Florence, notably governed by the influential Medici family, became a center for art and thought, nurturing icons such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Despite its cultural zenith, Italy faced foreign invasions during the Italian Wars of the 16th century, pitting local powers against the might of the Habsburgs and other European forces.