1. Castiglione's The Courtier: A book by Baldassare Castiglione that described the ideal qualities of a courtier, including education, manners, and physical and artistic skills.
2. Charles V: Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain during the 16th century, known for his vast empire and struggles with the Protestant Reformation.
3. Christian Humanists: Thinkers of the Northern Renaissance who blended humanist ideals with Christian beliefs, emphasizing reform in the church and personal piety.
4. Communes: Associations of free men in Italian cities, led by merchant guilds, seeking political and economic independence from local nobles.
5. Donatello: A Renaissance sculptor known for his realistic and lifelike works, including his bronze statue of David.
6. Erasmus: A Dutch Christian humanist who wrote In Praise of Folly and called for reform in the Catholic Church through education and the study of Scripture.
7. Ferdinand and Isabella: Monarchs of Spain who united the country, completed the Reconquista in 1492, and sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyages.
8. Gutenberg Printing Press (1450): The invention by Johannes Gutenberg that revolutionized the spread of knowledge by making books cheaper and more accessible.
9. Humanism: A Renaissance intellectual movement focused on the study of classical texts, human potential, and achievements.
10. Hundred Years' War: A conflict between England and France (1337-1453) over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne.
11. Leonardo da Vinci: A Renaissance artist, scientist, and inventor known for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
12. Lorenzo de' Medici: A powerful Florentine ruler and patron of the arts who supported Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli.
13. Machiavelli's The Prince: A political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli offering advice on how rulers can maintain power, often advocating pragmatism over morality.
14. Michelangelo: A Renaissance artist and sculptor known for works like the marble David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and La Pietà.
15. Patronage: Financial support provided by wealthy individuals, families, or institutions to artists and writers during the Renaissance.
16. Petrarch: Known as the "Father of Humanism," Petrarch was an Italian scholar and poet who revived interest in classical literature.
17. Pope Leo X: A Medici pope known for his lavish spending and the sale of indulgences, which contributed to the Protestant Reformation.
18. Rafael: A Renaissance painter known for his depictions of religious themes, especially The School of Athens and his Madonnas.
19. Reconquista (1492): The campaign by Christian kingdoms in Spain to reclaim territory from Muslim rule, ending with the conquest of Granada.
20. Renaissance: A cultural rebirth that began in Italy during the 14th century, characterized by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and science.
21. Savonarola: A Dominican friar who led a religious reform movement in Florence, condemning luxury and corrupt leadership, before being executed.
22. Thomas More's Utopia: A book by Thomas More that described an ideal society based on equality, communal ownership, and rational governance.
23. Tudor: An English royal dynasty that began with Henry VII and included rulers like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, known for strengthening the monarchy and fostering the Renaissance in England.