In the late Middle Ages, the city-states of Italy witnessed the rebirth of an ancient form of government: the republic. These Italian republics provide the backdrop for the impressive cultural achievements of the Renaissance, and arguably made them possible. We will consider the conditions which led Italian cities to adopt republican governments, how their republican experiments managed to overcome the threat of warfare and social division, and why they ultimately fell. We will also consider the legacy of Italy’s Renaissance republics and how they might help us understand our own republic better. About Joel Penning

Dr. Penning started teaching history at Liberty in 2018. He received his B.A. in history at Clemson University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. In addition to Colorado, he has spent time living in Kansas, South Dakota, Illinois, South Carolina, Australia, and Italy. When not in the classroom, he can usually be found with his nose in a book.

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