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 city- states 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 Rome- amphitheaters, 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