1. Key Figures Involved in the Renaissance

2. In Government : The Medicis
A family of bankers who ruled Florence, Italy
They paid many artists during the Renaissance, which meant they were patrons
Without them, the Renaissance may not have happened
But it wasn’t all good
Lorenzo de Meidici, became leader of Florence at the age of 20 after his father died.
Rival families saw him as weak and took the opportunity to take power
They attempted to kill him and his brother but failed to kill Lorenzo

3. Part of the Medici Family

4. Niccolo Machiavelli An advisor to the Medicis
Wrote a book called “The Prince” focusing on power of government
It gave tips on how a king could take and hold power
What did he think about how the government should be ruled?
The king should lead by fear so people will do what he says all the time. Cheat but don’t get caught

5. “The Prince”

6. In Society: William Shakespeare
Arguably the greatest playwright in history
Most well-known work is Romeo and Juliet
Hamlet is considered by many to be the best play ever written
Shakespeare wrote dozens of plays, poems, and sonnets during his life
His plays are still read around the world
They are still the basis for many modern movies

7. Shakespeare!

8. Johannes Gutenberg He created the printing press
The Printing Press could mass produce books quickly, which allowed books to become cheaper
Books were now written in the vernacular so everyone could read
This invention allowed ideas to spread quickly

9. Printing Press

11. In Art Michelangelo Leonardo da Vinci
Known for statue of David and painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel after the pope forced him to do it
Leonardo da Vinci
True Renaissance Man – talented in many fields
Painter, inventor, engineer, inventor, sculptor, mathematician