1. E. Napp The Renaissance In this lesson, students will define the following terms: Renaissance Humanism Secularism Students will also be able to explain two reasons why the Renaissance began in Italy.

2. E. Napp The Renaissance began in the city-states of Italy in the 1400s.

3. E. Napp The Renaissance The Renaissance was a period of artistic creativity. Artists rediscovered the ancient civilizations of the Greeks and Romans. The word “Renaissance” means rebirth.

4. E. Napp During the Renaissance, artists began rendering the world in three dimensions.

5. E. Napp Renaissance Art During the Middle Ages, painting largely focused on religious themes. During the Renaissance, artists showed more interest in ancient Greek and Roman classical art. Painters sought greater realism in their art.

6. E. Napp Perspective is the ability to create a three dimensional appearance on a two dimensional surface.

7. E. Napp Artistic Expression During the Renaissance, an individualist spirit emerged in art. Artists felt free to depict themes from the classical civilizations of the past to religious themes. Artists used new techniques in painting.

8. E. Napp The Renaissance was a time of new ideas in art and philosophy. It was a time of new ways of looking at the world.

9. E. Napp Italy’s Location There were many reasons why the Renaissance began in Italy. The Italian city-states had grown wealthy due to their location and ability to benefit from the trade between Europe and Asia. Wealth from trade could be used to support artistic endeavors.

10. E. Napp Italy is home to many ancient ruins. Ruins reminded artists of the greatness of the past.

11. E. Napp Ancient Ruins Italy was also home to many ancient ruins. These ruins reminded the people of the city-states of a glorious time in the past. People began to look to the ancient Greeks and Romans for inspiration.

12. E. Napp Humanism and secularism also became popular during the Renaissance.

13. E. Napp Humanism and Secularism Humanism emphasizes the worth and uniqueness of each individual. Secularism is a non-religious viewpoint. While these ideas first became popular in Italy, they eventually spread to the rest of Europe.

14. E. Napp Questions for Reflection: Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy? How did Renaissance art differ from Medieval art? How did humanism and secularism differ from previous Medieval beliefs? Why did the Renaissance eventually spread to the rest of Europe? Do Renaissance ideas still affect us today? Explain your answer.