1. The Renaissance

2. Classic Works vs. Modern Works

3. The Renaissance Renaissance – means rebirth For Europeans it meant a resurgence or to revisit the classic Greek & Roman literature and art. If we were to have a Renaissance here what artwork, literature, music would we refer back to.

8. Renaissance: What is it? 1. A time of great intellectual and artistic achievement 2. Word means “rebirth”… it is a rebirth of ideas from ancient Greece and Rome 3. Unlike during Middle Ages (Medieval Times), there was a desire for change, a questioning of the way things were

9. The Middle Ages (Medieval period) Time: – 5 th century to about 14 th century Place: – Europe Characteristics: – Church and tradition are focal points – Standard of living is low, so most people are just trying to get by, not excel – Little interest in new things (learning, art, etc.) – Attitude: Life stinks, then you die and (hopefully) go to heaven – Individual person isn’t too important

10. The Renaissance: When and where When: – 1300s to 1600s Where: – Started in Italy, spread throughout Europe

11. Renaissance: Key aspects 1. Supporting the arts (with money, time) 2. Admiration for individual achievement 3. Should lead a meaningful life (life is not just preparation for afterlife) 4. Humans have dignity and worth 5. Education is important; be critical and question things

12. Renaissance: Why? 1. Catholic church lost power – Crusades Series of battles between Christians and Muslims between 1095 and 1272 for control of the Holy Land Muslims won A lot of nobles left to fight in crusades, which allowed a little more freedom for ordinary people – Church also started to look bad in other ways Pope moved to France for 68 years (Babylonian Captivity) Great Schism (1377-1417) – two or even three popes at one time – Criticism of church increased, and now people were starting to think more for themselves, and less just in what the church told them

13. Renaissance: Why? 2. Black Death – Plague (caused by bacteria spread by fleas) spread throughout Europe in 1300s, killing 1/3 of population (up to 75% in some areas, like Italy) – Complete upheaval of society improved life for survivors? Decreased power of church and feudal system Led to “new wealth” and a desire to show it off

14. Renaissance: Why? 3. Trade and money – Trade in Europe increased, which made people richer, giving them more time and money to devote to the arts – And this increased contact with other civilizations, leading to curiosity and envy at what they had – Medici family in Italy specifically supported the arts with lots of money

15. Renaissance: Why? 4. Printing Press – In about 1450, Johannes Gutenberg became first European to use movable type to print books Initial reaction was skeptical – By 1475, printing presses were in England, France, Germany, Italy – Allowed for ideas to spread a lot quicker

16. Renaissance: Why should we care? 1. Changed the world’s way of thinking 2. Some of the art/music/literature is widely known and appreciated today 3. Caused chain reaction of change (Scientific Revolution, exploration, inventions, start of democracies, etc.)