Question

unlike much of the rest of western europe in the 13th century:
a. italy was divided into city - states where middle - class citizens seized power and promoted international exchange.
b. italy had only recently been settled and therefore had no ancient culture to rediscover during the renaissance.
c. italy had once been part of an ancient empire that left behind great works of art to rediscover during the renaissance.
d. italy was divided into kingdoms ruled by feudal lords and catholic priests who resisted the new ideas of the renaissance for several centuries.

Explanation:

• Option A: In the 13th century, Italy had city - states. The middle - class in these city - states (like merchants) gained power. They promoted trade (a form of international exchange) which was conducive to the later Renaissance.
• Option B: Italy had a rich ancient Roman culture, so this option is incorrect.
• Option C: While Italy was part of the Roman Empire, the key in the 13th century was the role of city - states and middle - class, not just the ancient works (though they were rediscovered later, but the 13th - century situation was more about the city - state structure).
• Option D: Feudal lords and Catholic priests' resistance is not the main characteristic compared to the rest of Western Europe in the 13th century as described in the context of the Renaissance precursor.

Answer:

A. Italy was divided into city - states where middle - class citizens seized power and promoted international exchange.