The Renaissance “Movement of creativity in art, writing, and thought”

1. The Renaissance“Movement of creativity in art, writing, and thought” Means rebirth and lasted from 1300-1600 Bring back the classic culture of Greece and Rome Instead of “bringing back” a culture the Renaissance created a new way of life Creating new art, literature, architecture and an emphasis on the individual Celebration of the individual

2. Why did the Renaissance Start? • The Black Plague People wanted to celebrate life and the human spirit • Questioning institutions during the Middle Ages, especially the Church, feudalism • Fall of Constantinople last link to Greece and Rome • Rise of Italy the center of the Renaissance

3. Rise of the RenaissanceItaly’s Role • Northern Italy becomes the center of the Renaissance • Large population of people came from Constantinople to live in Italy • The people brought culture from classical Greece and Rome into the area • Plague kills off the back bone of the feudal system in Italy, the peasant population

4. Renaissance in Italy Continued • Trade during the Crusades led to growth of large city-states in Italy • Cities allowed people to meet and share ideas • Early 1300’s plague hits Europe killing 60 to 75 percent of the population • Very high merchant class in Italy • Rich history of Greece and Rome in Italy

5. Rise of the merchant class and the Medici family • Small city-states in Milan and Florence allowed more people to be involved in political life • Merchants believed in individual merit not entitled to nobility because of wealth or family • The Medici family was a powerful banking family that could fund a revival • Medici family Controlled Florence’s government • Medici family valued ancient Greece manuscripts and thought and in turn created a new way of life • Petrarch considered the father of the Renaissance