Renaissance & Reformation Study Guide

Renaissance

A period known as the 'Rebirth' that signifies the revival of Greek and Roman culture.

Secularism

Related to worldly things, excluding religion.

Humanism

A system of thought focusing on humans rather than divine matters.

Patron

A person who supports artists, writers, or creative institutions with financial or political influence.

Monastic

Pertaining to monasteries or the lifestyle of monks and nuns.

Gothic

An architectural style characterized by pointed arches, vaulting, detailed woodwork, and stonework.

Individualism

The ability to be religious independently from church authorities, emphasizing personal thought.

Erasmus

A Roman Catholic priest who sought reforms in the Catholic Church and criticized certain practices.

Cosimo de Medici

A significant patron of the arts who established the Medici family as effective rulers.

Donatello

A sculptor known for studying Greek and Roman statues.

Michelangelo

A sculptor famous for the statue of David and the Sistine Chapel fresco.

Leonardo Da Vinci

An artist renowned for the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, who studied human anatomy.

Filippo Brunelleschi

An architect who designed churches inspired by classical Roman architecture.

Johannes Gutenberg

The inventor of the printing press.

William Shakespeare

A prominent English poet and playwright known for adapting ancient plots.

Reform

The act of making changes to something, especially in a social or political context.

Protestant

A branch of Christianity that originated in opposition to the Catholic Church.

Piety

Religious faith and moral righteousness.

Indulgences

A pardon for sin granted by the Church in exchange for penance.

Salvation

The act of being saved from sin or its consequences.

Sacraments

Religious ceremonies recognized as significant in Christianity.

Huguenots

French Protestants who formed a minority in the population but a significant part of the nobility.

Martin Luther

A monk who criticized the Catholic Church and initiated the Protestant Reformation.

John Calvin

A French Protestant who believed in predestination and formed Calvinism.

Henry VIII

The English king who separated the Church of England from the Catholic Church.

Queen Elizabeth I

Restored Protestantism in England and governed both church and state.

Spanish Armada

A fleet sent by Spain to overthrow Protestantism in England, ultimately defeated by England.