Unit 1: Renaissance and Exploration - Important Vocabulary and Meanings

Civic Humanism

A Renaissance ideology linking classical learning with public service and republican ideals, especially in Florence.

Virtù

The qualities of a leader that enable effective governance and influence, emphasizing the importance of character and skill in achieving greatness. Emphasized by Machiavelli.

Secular Patronage

The financial support of the arts by wealthy, often non-religious elites (e.g., Medici), signaling a shift from purely religious sponsorship.

Neo-Platonism

A revival of Platonic philosophy blending classical thought with Christian mysticism, prominent in Florence’s intellectual circles.

Studia Humanitatis

The liberal arts curriculum of the Renaissance: grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy, inspired by classical models.

Machiavellian

Describing cunning, pragmatic, and sometimes ruthless political strategy, based on the teachings of The Prince.

Antiquarianism

The study and appreciation of antiquities and ancient artifacts, emphasizing their historical significance and cultural context.

Individualism

The Renaissance emphasis on personal achievement, self-expression, and autonomy, as reflected in art, literature, and politics.

Linear Perspective

A revolutionary artistic technique that created realistic spatial depth in painting, pioneered by Brunelleschi.

Chiaroscuro

Use of strong contrasts between light and dark to achieve a sense of volume—mastered by artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

Mannerism

A later Renaissance style emphasizing artificiality, complexity, and elegance over naturalism (e.g., El Greco).

Classicism

Emulation of Greco-Roman ideals in literature, philosophy, and the visual arts; defined Renaissance aesthetics.

Iconography

The study and interpretation of symbols in art, especially as artists blended religious and classical imagery.

Humanist Realism

The synthesis of lifelike representation with human-centered themes, as seen in works by Raphael and Michelangelo.

Mercantilism

Early modern economic policy emphasizing state control over trade, accumulation of bullion, and a favorable balance of trade.

Caravel

A small, fast Portuguese ship that enabled long-distance exploration with lateen sails and improved navigation.

Treaty of Tordesillas

1494 agreement dividing the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal, sanctioned by the pope.

Columbian Exchange

The transatlantic transfer of crops, animals, diseases, and cultures between the Old and New Worlds following 1492.

Encomienda System

Spanish colonial labor system granting settlers the right to extract labor and tribute from indigenous peoples.

Conquistador

Spanish military leaders who led expeditions in the Americas, often marked by violent conquest and wealth extraction.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of European, indigenous, and African cultures in the Americas, seen in language, religion, and art.

Imperial Hegemony

Dominance of one empire over others, controlling politics, economics, and culture.

Cultural Rebirth

Refers to the Renaissance as a revival of classical values and learning.

Epistemological Shift

A fundamental change in the nature of knowledge, particularly in how information is acquired and understood, often associated with the transition from medieval to modern thought.

Socioeconomic Transformation

Captures the changes in class structure, wealth distribution, and labor systems during exploration and urbanization.

Religious Justification

The rationale provided to legitimize actions or policies, particularly regarding the spread of Christianity and colonialism during the Age of Exploration.