1. Lecture 13: The Renaissance
Introduction to Western Civilization
Music: Matona, mia cara – Orlando di Lassus (Netherlands/Belgium, )

2. The Renaissance Renaissance means “rebirth” in French
It was a rebirth of interest in classical culture, especially Ancient Greek culture
Began in Italy in the 1300s, and eventually spread to other parts of Europe
Can be seen as both a continuation of trends that already began during the Late Middle Ages, as well as a new and different period of history

3. Florence and Humanism
The Renaissance began in the Italian city of Florence in the 1300s
Renaissance thinkers promoted the idea of humanism – that “man is the master of all things” and that we should value the genius and creativity of humans, rather than simply only study God and religion
Ancient Greek texts became popular to study again – admiration for the Greek way of thinking (esp. ancient Athens)

4. New Ways of Thinking
Renaissance humanists, such as Erasmus ( ) encouraged close and careful reading of Christian texts, and satirized and criticized the failures of the Church
Criticism of authority and independent thinking (slowly) began to become more important to the Western intellectual tradition
Writers like Dante in Italy encouraged the use of the vernacular language in literature, and criticized authority figures such as the Church

5. Raphael – The School of Athens (1509-1511)

7. Trade, Commerce, and Powerful Families
In the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, capitalism began to develop, especially banking
Certain families became very wealthy and had a large influence in the affairs of the city
Medici family in Florence
The increasing wealth and growing economy helped generate art and creativity

8. Machiavelli’s The Prince
How should a ruler govern?
Niccolo Machiavelli: “It is better to be feared than loved.”
Machiavelli favored ruthless leadership to achieve one’s objectives
Modern English – “Machiavellian"

9. Spreading throughout Europe
After starting in Italy, Renaissance ideas and culture spread throughout Europe, and many writers, artists, and thinkers are associated with this period, such as William Shakespeare of England

10. A Useful Reminder…
Remember, most of the intellectual activity we’re talking about during this period only really mattered to a small elite group of people
The vast majority of people still were common peasants