Renaissance Review

Renaissance

A period of rebirth based on Ancient Greek & Roman ideals where ideas and goods spread throughout Europe, starting in northern Italy and flourishing from 1300 to 1600.

Secular

Worldly topics that are not religious in nature.

Crusades

Religious campaigns aimed at reclaiming the holy land.

Pope Urban II

The pope who initiated the Crusades.

Looting

The act of stealing goods from towns or cities after a defeat in battle.

Silks and Spices

Highly sought-after items that created significant economic demand during the Renaissance after being brought back from the Crusades.

Merchants

Individuals who set up trade routes to meet the demand for silks and spices.

Patrons

People who provided financial support to artists.

Black Death

A bubonic plague epidemic that occurred between 1346 and 1353, resulting in a significant loss of life.

Feudal System

A social structure where a lord provides land and protection to vassals in exchange for service.

Hundred Years War

A conflict that weakened nobility and contributed to the Renaissance.

Longbow and cannon

Weapons that changed the balance of power in warfare, empowering peasants and kings.

Great Schism

The division of the Christian church into two popes, which weakened the Catholic Church.

Humanism

An intellectual movement emphasizing human potential and improvement.

Renaissance Man and Woman

Men and women who possessed diverse skills and education, contributing to their city-state or kingdom.

Dante

An Italian writer and poet known for his literary contributions.

Printing Press

A revolutionary invention that spread books and ideas rapidly, significantly increasing literacy rates.

Christian Humanism

The belief in improving oneself and society through education and moral development.

Erasmus

A Dutch priest and scholar who criticized the greed of the Church and advocated for biblical study.

Thomas Moore

A writer known for his work 'Utopia,' discussing ideas of equality.

William Shakespeare

A playwright and poet who introduced thousands of new words to the English language.

Realism in Art

An artistic approach focused on depicting subjects as they are, emphasizing human emotions and natural settings.

Vernacular

The local language or dialect spoken by the people, as opposed to Latin.

Impacts of Renaissance

Increased literacy, reduction of Church power, advancements in learning, new artistic techniques, and changing societal norms.