Unit 1: Renaissance and Age of Exploration Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration.

Renaissance

A revival of interest in classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as a shift toward a more secular and individualistic way of thinking.

Humanism

Emphasized the study of classical history and literature as the foundation for education.

Civic Humanism

A form of humanism that emphasized the importance of public service.

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Fourteenth-century Italian poet known as the “Father of Humanism” for his role in reviving scholarly interest in classical studies.

Renaissance Art

Art that focused on naturalistic portrayals of human subjects in imitation of the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing balance, linear perspective, and bright colors.

The Northern Renaissance

Spread to Northern Europe following the invention of the printing press. Writers focused on Christian principles and social reform.

Christian Humanism

Northern Renaissance writers inspired by humanistic studies, producing works focused on Christian principles and social reform.

Erasmus of Rotterdam

Dutch humanist scholar and one of the best-known proponents of Christian humanism. Criticized Catholic Church practices in his book, The Praise of Folly.

New Monarchs

Monarchs in England, France, and Spain who began to centralize power by collecting taxes directly and establishing state armies.

Catholic Monarchs

Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, who completed the Spanish Reconquista and styled themselves as the “Catholic monarchs.”

Spanish Reconquista

Completed by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492, when they conquered Granada.

The Columbian Exchange

The movement of people, goods, food, animals, ideas, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds following European exploration and colonization.