1. “Man is the measure of all things”
The Renaissance
“Man is the measure of all things”

2. The Early Renaissance
Definition: Rebirth, refers to the attempt by artists and thinkers to recover and apply the ancient learning and standards of Greece and Rome.
Cultural Movement that originated in the Italian city-states of northern Italy and then spread to the rest of Europe
Period of history from
Great Debate—Does the Renaissance represent a sharp break with the medieval past or is it merely an extension of the Middle Ages?

3. Humanism Philosophy of the Renaissance
Revival of antiquity in philosophy, literature and art
Strong belief in individualism and the great potential of human beings
Virtu—the quality of being a man, idea of excelling in all of one’s pursuits
Believed the key to a good life was reason and nature
Focused first on studying ancient languages
First Latin
After fall of Byzantine Empire in 1453, then Greek
Rejected Aristotelian views and medieval scholasticism in favor of Roman authors, Greek writings, early Christian writers
Believed in a liberal arts educational program
Civic Humanism—idea that education should prepare leaders who would be active in civic affairs
Often humanism was more secular and lay dominated, but most humanists remained deeply Christian

4. Characteristics of the Renaissance (CHAIRS)
14th & 15th century Italians were self-consciously aware that they were living in a new & unique era. They called the medieval period the Dark Ages, but now saw the dawn of a new golden age.
Classicism—the study of the ancient classical texts to learn what they reveal about human beings.
Medieval uses of classical ideas—find God and prove pre-conceived ideas
Renaissance uses of classical ideas—find man & understand human nature within Christian teachings, value classical literature for its own sake
Humanism—emphasized human beings, their achievements, interests, & capabilities.
Activism—Had to make a difference in the world (civic humanism)
Individualism—emphasized personality, uniqueness, genius, & full development of one’s capabilities & talents. Renaissance individuals wanted success & to showcase their talents
Realism—depict the world as it is.
Secularism—involves a basic concern with the material world instead of with the eternal world of the spirit. The ultimate explanation of everything is found in the what the senses can discover.

5. Major Centers in Italy
Venice--republic ruled by the 200 (oligarchy), strongly influenced by Byzantine culture
Milan—ruled by Sforza & Visconti families
Florence—ruled by the Medici family
Papal states—ruled by the Pope & supported by Borghese family
Kingdom of Naples—ruled by the king of Aragon (Spain)

6. Why did the Renaissance Begin in Italy?
Had the most advanced urban society in all of Europe
Development of secular education
Special appeal of the classical past
Italian wealth; city-states were commercial & banking centers
Fall of Constantinople (1453)
Tumultous politics of the Italian city-states
Black Death was a catalyst

7. Famous Humanists Baldassare Castiglione Francis Petrach (1304-1374)
Father of Humanism/considered the first modern writer
Boccaccio
Compiled an encyclopedia of Greek and Roman mythology
Leonardo Bruni
Among the most important of the civic humanists
Lorenzo Valla
Expert on the Latin language/exposed the Donation of Constantine as an 8th century fraud, using textual criticism
Pico della Mirandola
Oration on the Dignity of Man—most famous Renaissance work on the nature of humankind
Baldassare Castiglione
The Book of the Courtier—perhaps most important work on Renaissance social etiquette/described ideal “Renaissance man” (virtu)