renaissance means “rebirth”… … “revival” of classical culture (art & learning) from...
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Renaissance means “rebirth”… … “revival” of Classical Culture (art & learning) from ancient Greece & RomeTRANSCRIPT
Renaissance means rebirth revival of Classical Culture (art
& learning) from ancient Greece & Rome Italy: Birthplace of
Renaissance
Powerful city-states like Florence, Venice, Milan Wealthy banker
families in these city-states like Medici family of Florence were
patrons of the arts & learning Background Italy is not yet a
nation, but rather, independent city-states. England, France fight
100 Years War and emerge as independent nations. Spain becomes a
new nation after marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1400s. More
Background: 1300s = An Age of Despair
Catholic Church: Popes leave Rome, live in opulent palace in
Avignon, France. This is called Babylonian Captivity For a while,
there are 2 or 3 people who claim to be Pope. This is called the
Great Schism. Black Death (Bubonic Plague) Popes Palace in Avignon,
France About 1350, Black Death (Plague) kills 1/3 of population in
Europe Jews were often blamed for Black Death
Jews were often blamed for Black Death. They often were killed in
anti-Semitic pogroms. Women also were blamed for Black Death and
burned as witches. Catholic Church loses prestige & power for
its inability to stop the Plague and as priests die. In 1300s &
1400s, France & England are fighting the Hundred Years
War
Joan of Arc is great French heroine who defeats England She is
captured and burned at stake She becomes French martyr In 1453,
Muslim Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople
Christian Byzantine (Greek) Empire falls Byzantine (Greek) Emperor
killed Greek refugees flee to Italy, bringing Greek culture with
them Muslims rename city Istanbul Reasons for Renaissance rebirth
of interest in Greece and Rome:
Refugees from Constantinople bring Classical Culture of Greece
& Rome with them to West Italians see magnificent ancient ruins
of Roman Empire in Rome, which has been abandoned by the Pope for
Avignon Monasteries of Middle Ages saved Greek and Roman writings
(Plato, Aristotle, Homer, etc.) Key Renaissance Ideas Humanism:
Focus on the human potential and achievements Study of the
Humanities at college Secularism: Focus on this world, not
spiritual world Renaissance Man: A well-rounded person who
understood many different disciplines, especially Greek & Roman
culture (example: Leonardo Da Vinci)