In the fifteenth century Italy had no single ruler.Instead it was a collection of independent states,known as “city states” because each one was run by a central city such as Florence.Some were small; some were large.Most states had their own government,laws and money.During the Middle Ages,five city states became very rich and powerful.For example,Venice became rich from its trade with the Far East,the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe.Banks in Florence lent money to businesses and governments all over Europe.
There was great competition between the city states—which led to regular wars—and between the families which ruled them.The city states also competed with each other to build the grandest or tallest buildings.
Let’s look in detail at one city—Florence.In 1400 Florence was one of the largest cities in Italy.It was the centre of a rich trade in wool and cloth.One-third of the workers in Florence worked in the wool trade.
The most powerful family in Florence was the Medici family,who had made their money through banking.The most famous member of the family was Lorenzo de’ Medici who ruled the city between 1469 and 1492.
The other powerful people who had influence in Florence were the members of the guilds(行业协会).Craftsmen such as carpenters each had their own guild.If you were a member of a guild and over 25 years old then you could be involved in governing the city.
The rulers of Florence wanted their city to be impressive and famous.The Medici collected books and built a huge library to house them.They spent money on renovating (修复) old buildings and putting up new ones.They built a splendid palace and employed painters and sculptors to decorate it.Some of the best and most famous artists were brought to work in Florence.
1.What do we know about the city states?
A.They ruled themselves.
B.They were made up of five cities.
C.They didn’t trade with each other.
D.They disappeared during the Middle Ages.
2.Which of the following can describe the relationship between the city states?
A.Strong. B.Inflexible. C.Unfriendly. D.Cooperative.
3.According to the text,the Medici family .
A.created their own guild B.contributed a lot to Florence
C.was the single ruler of Florence D.became rich through doing woodwork
4.Why did some artists go to Florence?
A.Because there was great demand for art in Florence.
B.Because there were many famous artists in Florence.
C.Because Florence was well-known for its art trade.
D.Because other cities had no interest in art.
语篇解读:本文是说明文。文章以佛罗伦萨为例介绍了15世纪时意大利的城邦。
答案及剖析:
1.A 细节理解题。根据第一段中的independent states及Most states had their own government,laws and money可知,各个城邦相互独立、各自为政。
2.C 细节理解题。根据第二段中的There was great competition between the city states—which led to regular wars及The city states also competed with each other to build the grandest or tallest buildings可以看出,各个城邦互相敌视、充满竞争。
3.B 推理判断题。根据最后一段内容不难看出,梅第奇家族修建图书馆、大兴土木,对佛罗伦萨的发展做出了巨大贡献。
4.A 推理判断题。根据最后一段中的They spent money on renovating(修复) old buildings and putting up new ones.They built a splendid palace and employed painters and sculptors to decorate it可推测,由于梅第奇家族大兴土木,所以需要大量艺术家对建筑物进行装饰。
