European Renaissance, Reformation, and Medieval Systems: Key Figures and Events

Erasmus

German theologian, born in 1483, who was a leader of the Reformation, wrote 95 theses

Machiavelli

Wrote "The Prince," a book that recommended harsh and politically motivated rule for princes

Martin Luther

German theologian, born in 1483, who was a leader of the Reformation, wrote 95 theses

Dante

(1265-1321) Italian poet and Renaissance writer. His greatest work is The Divine Comedy.

Charlemagne

Charles the great, 1st Holy Roman Emperor, this person was named emperor of the Romans after crushing a rebellion in Rome

Ignatius of Loyola

Leader of the counter reformation. Called for the ending of indulgences and created the Jesuit society.

Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance; in 1434, the Medici family took control and helped make it a cultural center.

Holy Roman Empire

Loose federation of mostly German states and principalities, headed by an emperor elected by the princes. It lasted from 962 to 1806.

England

Home of the Anglican church; location of Henry King's attempt to distance his kingdom from the pope with the English Reformation

Manor

A large estate, often including farms and a village, ruled by a lord.

Geneva

It became a powerful center of Protestantism. Missionaries were trained and sent to all parts of Europe; where John Calvin fled persecution

Jerusalem

The focus of a series of military campaigns to establish Christian control over the Holy Land

Protestant Reformation

A widespread, often bloody, revolt against the corruption of the Catholic Church during the Renaissance led by Martin Luther

Renaissance

1450-1600; An era of "rebirth" in Europe, sparking a renewed interest in learning and the arts.

Black Plague

The epidemic of the 14th century that killed nearly half the people of Western Europe

Lay Investiture

The appointment of religious officials by kings or nobles

Crusades

The focus of a series of military campaigns to establish Christian control over the Holy Land

Feudalism

The economic and political system that developed in Europe during the Middle Ages