Renaissance

A period of rebirth in Europe (c. 1300–1600) marked by renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman ideas, art, education, and human potential.

City-States

Independent cities (mainly in Italy) like Florence, Venice, and Milan that controlled surrounding land. They were wealthy through trade and became centers of Renaissance culture.

Medici

A powerful banking family in Florence who financially supported (patronized) artists, writers, and architects, helping the Renaissance flourish.

Francesco Sforza

A military leader who became Duke of Milan and ruled as a strong Renaissance prince, bringing stability and supporting the arts.

Patron

A wealthy supporter who paid artists and scholars to create works. Patronage allowed Renaissance art and ideas to spread.

Humanism

An intellectual movement focusing on human potential, education, and classical texts rather than only religious subjects.

Christian Humanism

A blend of humanism and Christianity that emphasized education, moral living, and reforming the Church from within.

Petrarch

Known as the Father of Humanism. He promoted the study of classical literature and believed education improved character.

The Book of the Courtier

Written by Baldassare Castiglione; described the ideal Renaissance gentleman—educated, graceful, artistic, and well‑mannered.

Renaissance Artists

Artists focused on realism, perspective, human anatomy, and emotion. Art became more lifelike and human‑centered.

High Renaissance Artist

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael who created balanced, realistic, and idealized works.

Renaissance Women

Women were expected to manage households and marry well; education was limited, but some noblewomen were educated.

Christine de Pizan

A writer who argued women were intelligent and capable. Early advocate for women’s rights and education.

Dowry

Money or property a woman brought into marriage; it affected marriage choices and social status.

Protestant

Christians who broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation.

Martin Luther (Luther)

Started the Reformation by criticizing Church abuses, especially indulgences.

Ninety‑Five Theses

Luther’s 1517 list criticizing Church practices; it sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Indulgence

A payment to reduce punishment for sins; Luther believed this was corrupt.

Lutheranism

A Protestant religion based on Luther’s teachings: salvation by faith alone.

Edict of Worms

A decree declaring Luther an outlaw and heretic; he refused to recant his beliefs.

John Calvin

A Protestant reformer who believed in predestination.

Predestination

The belief that God has already chosen who will be saved.

Calvinist

Follower of Calvin’s beliefs.

Anabaptist

Protestants who believed in adult baptism and separation of church and state.

Zwingli

A Protestant reformer in Switzerland who influenced the spread of Protestant ideas.

Ignatius of Loyola

Founded the Jesuits, who defended Catholic teachings and promoted education.

Modern Devotion

A religious movement emphasizing personal faith and meditation.

Erasmus

A Christian humanist who criticized Church corruption but wanted reform, not separation.

Girolamo Savonarola

A religious reformer who condemned immorality in Florence and briefly ruled the city.

Machiavelli

The author of The Prince argued rulers should do whatever is necessary to maintain power.

Third Estate

The social class is made up of common people (peasants, workers, middle class).

Consistory

A church court used in Calvinist areas to enforce moral behavior.

King Henry VIII

king six wifes

Peace of Augsburg

An agreement allowing German princes to choose Catholicism or Lutheranism for their territory.