Transcript Renaissance - World History

Renaissance
 “Rebirth”
Time period considered by historians
as the opening phase of the modern era
Began in 1350 in the northern Italian
city-states
Because of the trade routes the citystates had become the richest cities in
Europe.
Patrons
 The Italian merchants and bankers had the wealth
to acquire libraries and fine works of art.
 Surrounded by reminders of ancient Romeamphitheaters, monuments, and sculptures-they
took an interest in classical culture and thought.
 In Italy the most famous patrons-supporters of the
arts were the members of the Medici family.
The Medici family members were very interested in the rebirth of
learning in Europe and under their patronage the Renaissance
flourished.
Humanism
 An intellectual movement that celebrated the
individual.
 Renaissance scholars’ interest in Greek and
Roman learning developed into the study of
the humanities (humankind & culture)
 The humanities included Latin and Greek
language and literature, composition,
history, and philosophy.
Petrarch
 An Italian poet born in
1304
 Led the early development
of Renaissance humanism
 Studied Roman literature
and philosophy &
encouraged others to do
the same.
 Discussed ideas of Roman
writers and copied their
style.
Sonnets to Laura are considered some of
the greatest love poems.
The Printing Press
 Bookmaking became
much cheaper, which
meant that more people
could afford to own books.
 As a result literacy became
more widespread
 Communication would
bring important advances
in knowledge as a result of
easy access to scholars’
books & books of the
ancient world.
Johann Gutenberg is credited with printing
the first book, a copy of the Bible.
Renaissance Art
 Medieval art and literature focused on the
Church and salvation
 Renaissance art and literature focused
on individuals and worldly matters, along
with Christianity
Leonardo da Vinci
 Leonardo da Vinci –
known as a
Renaissance man
because of all his
interests and talents.
 Painted the Mona Lisa
& The Last Supper
The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
 Michelangelo was
asked by Pope Julius II
to decorate the ceiling
of the Sistine Chapel.
 The paintings were to
show Biblical events
from the Creation to
the great flood of
Noah’s time.
Northern Renaissance
 Growing wealth in Northern Europe
supported Renaissance ideas.
 Northern Renaissance thinkers merged
humanist ideas with Christianity.
 Northern Renaissance artists portrayed
religious and secular subjects
Northern Renaissance Writers
 Erasmus- the most
respected and influential
humanist of the northern
Renaissance.
 Known for his work The
Praise of Folly (1509)
where he criticizes
scholars, scientists,
philosophers and clergy of
his time for being
narrowminded.
Sir Thomas More
 Another important scholar of the Northern
Renaissance.
 More was a devout Catholic and a student
of both church doctrine and the humanities.
 His book Utopia published in 1516
described an ideal, peaceful society. It also
contained criticism of the politics, society,
and religion of the times.
Protestant Reformation
 Martin Luther was a German monk who
taught Biblical studies at the University of
Wittenberg.
 Luther believed that, while a true Christian
would perform good works, these did not
bring salvation. Luther believed that
salvation could only come through faith in
God.
 Luther’s beliefs brought him into open conflict with
the Church.
 On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed a list of 95
theses (arguments) to a church door in
Wittenberg. He attacks the sale of indulgences
and invites a debate.
 Luther believed that people should read the Bible
to find the path to faith. He did not think they had
to rely on the interpretations given by the Pope of
the clergy. Many people will agree with his ideas
even though the Church opposed Luther.
Martin Luther
 Neither Church
officials nor the Holy
Roman Emperor could
keep the reform
movement from
spreading.
 People became
Lutherans (followers of
Luther) for religious
and political reasons.
English Protestantism
 The Reformation in England became closely
connected with a struggle for political power.
 Henry VIII – Tudor king of England wanted
to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon to
marry Anne Boleyn.
 Because the Church prohibited divorce,
Henry asked the Pope to annul his marriage
 The Pope refused