ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Domini di Terraferma

Okay, imagine you're playing with your toy cars on a big, flat surface, like a table or a floor. The toys can drive around and go wherever you want them to, right?

Well, now imagine that the flat surface is actually a whole bunch of different little islands, like puzzle pieces that fit together. Each island has its own shapes and bumps and curves, and the cars can only drive on the roads and paths that are already there.

Now, let's say that some people live on one of the islands, and they want to make sure they have control over that island and everyone who lives there. That's kind of like what the domini di terraferma were - they were powerful people in Italy during the Renaissance period who controlled certain parts of the land.

The term "domini di terraferma" specifically referred to leaders who controlled the mainland parts of Italy, as opposed to the islands or the coastal areas. They were often wealthy and powerful families who held onto their land and their control for many generations.

So, in a nutshell, the domini di terraferma were powerful rulers who controlled certain parts of the Italian mainland, kind of like toy car drivers who can only go on certain roads on a map made of puzzle pieces.