1. Important renaissance figures

2. The Renaissance  Started in Florence, Italy – a wealthy center of commerce by the 15 th century  A “rebirth” of artistic, social, scientific, & political ideas from ancient Rome & Greece  As European markets grew, the merchants, bankers, & artisans became wealthier. They invested their money in fine clothing, luxurious homes, beautiful artwork, and new ideas.

3. Raphael  Artists were supported by the wealthy merchant class, the Catholic Church, & political leaders.  Raphael’s paintings showed religious themes like the Virgin Mary & Jesus.  He was also known for being a brilliant architect.

4. Michelangelo  Was a skilled painter & the most famous of the Renaissance sculptors  Commissioned by the Catholic Church to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican  Also created religious sculptures, the Pieta, showing Jesus after his crucifixion

5. Leonardo da vinci  Brilliant painter, sculptor, inventor, scientist, & engineer  Most famously painted the Mona Lisa & The Last Supper  Also created plans & models for flying machines, parachutes, tanks, & machine guns  Often wrote backwards or in code

6. Copernicus & galileo  Scientists & astronomers who concluded that the Earth was NOT the center of the universe  When Galileo showed support for Copernicus’ theory, the Catholic Church put him under house arrest for challenging its authority.  Galileo continued to use telescopes to observe the sky and space.

7. Johannes gutenberg  Invented the printing press, which used movable type, & allowed books to be copied at a much faster rate than ever before  More people could afford books – NOT just the nobility & royalty!  More people became literate!  Popular books in the late 1400s: the Bible, almanacs, travel guides, romance novels, & poetry

8. The reformation

9. Corruption  The Catholic Church became EXTREMELY WEALTHY during the Middle Ages  With wealth came corrupt practices that started to anger some of its followers  Started to accept money for indulgences, or pardons from sins – Crusaders also given pardons before leaving for war

10. Martin luther  Openly criticized the Catholic Church  Was excommunicated, or kicked out of, the Church for the following beliefs: People should be judged based on their belief in God The Church should NOT sell indulgences ALL people should be able to read & interpret the Bible

11. Protestantism  This new movement that protested the Catholic Church’s policies became known as Protestantism  Lutherans: followers of Martin Luther  Calvinists: followers of John Calvin, another religious protester  Other Protestant sects like Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, & Anglicans followed in Luther’s footsteps

12. Counter-reformation  The Catholic Church responded to the Protestant Reformation by calling the Council of Trent in 1545  Wanted to hang onto its followers – did NOT want people questioning OR leaving the Church!  Council of Trent results: ONLY the pope & religious officials could interpret the Bible The pope still remained the highest authority in the Church HOWEVER, the Church made some reforms like banning the sale of indulgences!