Which statements correctly describe why the Renaissance began in the Italian city-states?

Choose all answers that are correct.

A.
The popes established a school for artists that attracted the finest talent from throughout Europe.

B.
Some wealthy merchants used their wealth to support humanist ideas, learning, art, architecture, and literature.

C.
The ruins of the Roman Empire still stood in Italy and people there maintained a connection with the learning of the past.

D.
Italy had not suffered from the dark days of the Middle Ages or from the plague or wars.

@historyguy