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==Introduction==

Filippo Brunelleschi (1377 –1446), is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern architecture. He designed and oversaw the construction of some of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the Renaissance, which still influence architects to this day. However, there was so much more to this remarkable man than his work as an architect. It is now acknowledged that he was one of the first modern engineers and planners. Moreover. he was crucial to the so-called rediscovery of antiquity. He was a pioneer in the study of the works of ancient Rome, which inspired much of his work. Moreover, Brunelleschi is considered to have been crucial in the establishment of linear perspective, which helped to transform painting in the period. Brunelleschi is not as famous as other Renaissance figures, such as Michelangelo. However, he must be regarded as one of the fathers of the Italian Renaissance, which ultimately led to the birth of the modern world.

==The historical background==

Italy was politically fragmented into a number of Republics, in the north and center of the peninsula. Rome and its surrounding territory were ruled by the Pope while the south and Sicily was governed by the King of Naples. The Republics such as Florence and Milan were often highly industrialized and wealthy. An affluent wealthy mercantile class and elite emerged, especially in the North. Unlike the rest of Europe, Italy was highly urbanized. This led to the development of a culture that was more rational and secular than many other societies at the time. Learning and the arts, flourished, because of the patronage of the wealthy class and inspired in part by the growing interest in Ancient Rome. Florence was one of the main powers in Italy and had grown fabulously rich because of the textile trade and was also a financial center. It was dominated by an oligarchy that was closely linked to the trade guilds, who controlled much of Florence’s, economy. By 1400 there was a discernible cultural shift in Italy, just as Brunelleschi was reaching adulthood. The city had become the cultural center of Italy and the Tuscan dialect, thanks to writers such as Dante had become the vernacular language of Italy. Moreover, it was arguably, more than any other city, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Brunelleschi was living at a time of extraordinary intellectual and artistic achievements and was greatly influenced by them.