Renaissance

Essential Vocabulary

• Renaissance – “Rebirth” cultural movement that profoundly affected European intellectual life in the early modern period. Beginning in Italy, and spreading to the rest of Europe by the 16th Century, its influence affected literature, philosophy, art, music, politics, science, and religion

• Humanism – philosophy, method of learning that focuses study on five areas. 1) poetry 2) history 3) grammar 4) moral philosophy 5) rhetoric. The movement to recover, interpret, and assimilate the language, literature, learning, and values of ancient Greece and Rome

Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?

• Ruins of the Roman Empire reminded Italians of Roman glory

• Crusades and trade brought them into contact with the Byzantine, Arab, and African civilizations

• Italian cities such as Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, and Venice had grown rich through trade and business

• Lorenzo Medici (Florence) wealthy banker that used money to support and encourage the arts

• Italian scholars turned to classical Greek and Roman literature to study grammar, history, poetry, and rhetoric (humanities)

• Used a critical approach to learning and scholarship

Supporting the arts

Admiration for individual achievement

Renaissance Thought

Education important, critical approach

Should lead a meaningful life

Belief in human dignity

Renaissance Man

many accomplishments

scholar

practical skills and abilities

knows a lot about many different subjects

The Northern Renaissance

• Renaissance ideas spread from Italy to the areas of Germany, the Netherlands, France, and England

• Trade and education continued to be a driving force in the spread of ideas