Avignon was the seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1376. With the return of the Pope to Rome in 1378, the Papal State developed into a major secular power, culminating in the morally corrupt papacy of Alexander VI. Florence grew to prominence amongst the Italian city-states through financial business, and the dominant Medici family became important promoters of the Renaissance through their patronage of the arts. Other city states in northern Italy also expanded their territories and consolidated their power, primarily Milan and Venice. The War of the Sicilian Vespers had by the early 14th century divided southern Italy into an Aragon Kingdom of Sicily and an Anjou Kingdom of Naples. In 1442, the two kingdoms were effectively united under Aragonese control. COUNT 5
QSN1 What city was the seat of the papacy for most of the 14th century? ANS1 Avignon QSN2 In what year did the papacy return to Rome? ANS2 1378 QSN3 What 14th century conflict resulted in the division of southern Italy into two kingdoms? ANS3 The War of the Sicilian Vespers QSN4 What were the names of the two kingdoms into which southern Italy was divided? ANS4 Aragon Kingdom of Sicily and an Anjou Kingdom of Naples QSN5 In what year were the two southern Italian kingdoms re-united? ANS5 1442