Final answer:
Communes first appeared in Northern Italy, where independent city-states emerged with their own administration, influenced by the growth of commerce and a merchant class seeking feudal independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In what area did communes first appear? Communes first appeared in c. Northern Italy. This region, particularly during the Middle Ages, was a hotbed for the development of independent city-states known as communes, which were municipal corporations with their own administrations, often rising to considerable economic, social, and military power. The growth of communes in Northern Italy was heavily backed by the region's robust commercial activities and the rise of a merchant class seeking independence from feudal and religious influences. Examples of such communes include the cities of Florence and Venice, which evolved into powerful city-states known for their contributions to trade, banking, and the arts.