The Italian The Italian RenaissanceRenaissance

Bell Ringer

The word “Renaissance” means:a. Floweringb. Geniusc. Eruptiond. New daye. Rebirth

Defining the Renaissance

Renaissance = “rebirth” 1375-1600 Italian Renaissance - the period of

great cultural change and achievement in European history that began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe

Characteristics of the Renaissance

1. Secularism Renaissance Italy - mostly

an urban societyo Powerful city-states became

centers of Italian political, economic & social life

o Result - an emergence of secular, or worldly, society as increased wealth created new enjoyment of material things

Map pg 285

Characteristics (cont.)

2. Humanismo cultural and educational reform, engaged

in by scholars, writers, and civic leaderso Studia Humanitatis - studied grammar

rhetoric, poetry, moral philosophy & history (the humanities)

Humanism (cont.)

o Petrarch - Father of Italian Renaissance humanism

o Stressed:o Intellecto Civic involvement

Humanism (cont.)

Revival of Classicism/Greek & Roman Antiquityo Educational reforms guided by ideals of useful

education & becoming a well-rounded persono Florentine “Academy” (La Academia) —not a

formal school, but gathering of influential Florentine humanists devoted to reviving Plato & the Neoplatonists

Characteristics (cont.)

3. Individualismo Emphasis on individual abilityo High regard for human wortho Realization of what individuals could

achieveo Outward expression – artists signed work

for first time

Characteristics (cont.)

4. SkepticismoRenaissance Era – also the beginning of the

Scientific RevolutionoQuestion everything!

o Begins w/ artso Then gov’to Then Church (eventually leads to Reformation)

Renaissance Geo-Political Life

Italian City-Stateso No central, unified monarchical state o Lack of single strong ruler - easy for C-S

to remain independento Milano Venice expanded & played

criticalo Florence roles in Italian politicso Papal Stateso Naples

o Prospered in terms of trade (merchant oligarchies = powerful)

Milan (Milano)

o Visconti Family - dukes of Milan/ Lombardio Viscontis died off - Sforzas conquered o Sforza -

o Efficient tax system = large state revenueso hired mercenaries (soldiers who sold their services)

• Pair & Share: • What would be 1 advantage & 1 disadvantage of

hiring mercenaries?

Venice (Venezia)

o Link btwn. Asia & W. Europe = profitable trade empire & international power

o Officially a republic w/ elected leadero Realistically run by small group of

wealthy merchant aristocrats who ran gov’t for own benefit

Florence (Firenze)

o Powerhouse of Tuscanyo de Medici Family

o Bankers (“God’s Bankers”)o Used power, wealth, & personal influence to

make Florence the cultural center of Italyo Birthplace of the Renaissance

Closure

With a partner, name and explain the 4 characteristics of the Renaissance.

2 minutes