1. Compare and Contrast these 2 pictures
A B

2. Birthplace of the Renaissance
Italy
Birthplace of the Renaissance

3. The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Europe suffered from war & plague
The survivors had a new attitude about life

4. Renaissance
Renaissance: French for re-birth: A revival of art & learning from about 1300 to 1600
Began in Northern Italy & spread to rest of Europe

5. Italy’s Advantages
There are 3 reasons why the Renaissance started in Italy:
1. City States
Genoa, Venice & Florence- major city states

6. Italy’s 2nd advantage 2. The power of the merchants & Medici
Wealthy merchants dominated politics & business
Merchants believed that people should be judged on their individual merit
The Medici family ruled Florence

7. Italy’s 3rd advantage 3. Looking to Greece and Rome
Renaissance scholars wanted to return to the learning of the Greeks and Romans
They drew inspiration from the Roman ruins around them & by reading ancient Greek texts

9. New ideas of the Renaissance
1. Classics lead to Humanism
Humanists focused on human potential & achievements
Believed that people should study classics
(history, philosophy, geography, etc)

10. New ideas of the Renaissance
2. Worldly Pleasures
People became materialistic: enjoy luxury items, tasty food, fine music
Believed that you could love life without offending God
Secular attitude

11. New ideas of the Renaissance
3. Patrons of the Arts
Church leaders & merchants paid artists to paint & sculpt
Wealthy have their portraits painted to demonstrate their importance