The Italian RenaissanceMullin

What was it?

• Period of European re-connection with its classical past

• It was also an explosion of creativity in arts, architecture, literature

• When was it?– No set beginning / end dates– Generally accepted as 1350s

to about 1500

Where did it Begin, and Why?• Began in Northern Italy, in

Florence• Why there?– Florence was a powerful City

State– Overseas trade led to growth,

wealth of Florence– Florentine merchants had

MONEY!!!• Earned - not inherited - rank• Individual achievement = imp.

Renaissance theme• Financially supported the Arts

Where, and why?• Classical heritage of

Romans all around Florentines / Italians– Drew inspiration from

Roman ruins around them

– Conscious of “looking backwards” in history; looked down on medieval period

Why did it occur?• Crusades brought

Europeans into contact with scientifically superior Muslims

• Decline of Constantinople (1204-1453) saw scholars flee to Italy & Florence

• Black Death killed 1/3 of European population, causing shift in survivor’s world view

Why did it occur?

• Rich Florentines supported the arts, encouraging artists to come to Florence to work

• Eviction of Jews from Spain (1492) brought with them Moorish learning, writings

Renaissance Attitude• Humanism– Elites valued reason and

evidence of senses (vs. Middle Ages values of humility, faith)

– Studied ancient texts to understand Greek, Roman values

– New access to original Greek translations allowed for correction of errors in church documents

Renaissance “Attitude”• Acceptance of Worldly

Pleasures– Humanists believed one could

enjoy life without offending God

– Elites were still religious, but more focused on secular world

– Elites enjoyed material luxury (spices, glass, art) from outside Italy

• Patrons of the Arts– Rich merchants (glorify

themselves)– Church (Glorify God)

PS Analysis

• Read Machiavelli’s “The Prince”

• Answer corresponding questions.

• Due at EOC