Overview
As mentioned earlier while there were five major states that ruled Italy, there were in fact many more smaller city-states that ruled themselves and also managed to contribute to the cultural brilliance of the Renaissance. These city-states included Mantua, Ferrera and Urbino.
Urbino
Federigo da Montefeltro was the ruler of Urbino from 1444 to 1482 and like most in his family he received both a solid education at the school in Mantua and a solid swordsmanship education. This was because he had to rule a state while also leading a group of mercenaries as a condottieri. The profession of a condottieri is how his family had made all of its money which allowed them to stay on top of the social and political ladder in Urbino. Though Federigo was a ruler of a small city-state, he was likely one of the most respected rulers in the Renaissance. This was because he was one of the very few who, even with the encouragement of the Papacy, never broke a promise and was said to be almost always benevolent. It was because of this that he could do what almost no other ruler could, that is walk through the streets of Urbino without the fear of death.
The Role of Women
While many of the larger states in some respect held to the ancient custom of not well educating or incorporating the women of society, the smaller city-states were able and willing to do just that. In fact Federigo da Montefeltro was married to the niece of the ruler of Milan and he was extremely proud of and fond of her. Battista Sforza, his wife, was well learned, she even know Latin and Greek, and while he was out with his troops she had the skill and knowledge to run the state fairly and wisely.
While many women of the Renaissance world did little the most famous woman was named Isabella d'Este (1474-1539). She was married to the Marquis of Mantua and was known to be extremely witty, knowledgeable, and was known as an effective, clever and politically wise ruler. She is credited with the gathering of many artists and scholars to Mantua and for the creating of one of the largest libraries in Italy.
While many women of the Renaissance world did little the most famous woman was named Isabella d'Este (1474-1539). She was married to the Marquis of Mantua and was known to be extremely witty, knowledgeable, and was known as an effective, clever and politically wise ruler. She is credited with the gathering of many artists and scholars to Mantua and for the creating of one of the largest libraries in Italy.