Which statements correctly describe why the Renaissance began in the Italian city-states?
Choose all answers that are correct.
A. The ruins of the Roman Empire still stood in Italy and people there maintained a connection with the learning of the past.
B. Some wealthy merchants used their wealth to support humanist ideas, learning, art, architecture, and literature.
C. The popes established a school for artists that attracted the finest talent from throughout Europe.
D. Italy had not suffered from the dark days of the Middle Ages or from the plague or wars.