1. Origins of the Renaissance AP European History 2012-2013 Androstic

2. The origins of the Renaissance. Means “rebirth” Roman and Greek influence About 1350-1600 Origins: Italian city- states

3. How was the Renaissance culture a change from the late Middle Ages?

4. Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy? Proximity to Roman culture access to classical literature and art Economic factors Growth of middle class

5. The characteristics of Italian city-states: No king Wall city and surrounding countryside Centers for trade Merchant oligarchies

6. Florence: Most influential city-state Medici family Dense population of artists and authors Medici’s supported the arts

7. What problems might arise from the organization of city-states rather than under a strong central government that ruled over a large area? What advantages may come from city- states instead of a strong national government and unification of all of Italy?

8. Additional Characteristics: Secularization Individualism Moral, political and civic philosophy Humanism Realism in artwork

9. Secularization Decline in church’s prestige Greater appreciation for earthly beauty Human talents developed

10. Individualism City-states paralleled individualism Appreciation for individual accomplishments Secularization leads to individualism Civic responsibility leads to individualism

11. How are these characteristics “modern”? How are they antiquated?

12. In this era of rebirth, new philosophies and attitudes evolved in the field of politics. Perhaps the most well-known and controversial thinker was Niccolo Machiavelli.

13. Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince. Florentine – written for Lorenzo de Medici Handbook for rulers Separated theology from politics

14. Machiavelli wrote… “A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.” “A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.” “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.”

15. Consider: Is it better to be feared or loved?

16. Humanism in the Renaissance. intellectual movement study of classical literary works Application of Greek and Roman values. The “humanities” also studied

17. Humanism inspired the following: Schools and education New literary works New artwork (architecture, painting, sculpting) Increased civic participation Secular appreciation

18. Humanist philosophers: Francesco Petrarca, or Petrarch (1304-1374): “father of humanism” Collected works of Latin Wrote in both Latin and Italian languages

19. Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier: Guide for aristocrats Outlined characteristics of a courtier Highlighted by etiquette training

20. Can the concepts outlined by Machiavelli and Castiglione be applied simultaneously in Renaissance Italy? Why/why not?

21. Humanist philosophers: Lorenzo Valla (1407-1457): Gifted writer and scholar of classical Latin Studied characteristics of Latin across centuries Donation of Constantine a hoax

22. What are the pros and cons of writing in Latin (the humanist’s preference) rather than writing in the vernacular?

23. Why did the Renaissance disappear? Nation states Too easygoing? Fighting over city-states Division among city-states

24. Tonight, as you are reading the primary sources (pages 5-9), please respond to the following on loose notebook: “Why does Machiavelli recommend a prince be able to break away from honorable qualities?”