1. 1300s to 1600s Renaissance is the French word for “rebirth”

2. Renaissance
The period characterized by a rebirth of interest in the Greek and Roman worlds after the decline of intellect and culture during the Middle Ages.
The everyday lives of Europeans were dramatically affected.

3. The Renaissance was marked by great scientific and artistic achievements
Rediscovery of classical literature
Reading for pleasure
Reading by merchants, nobles, as well as kings and religious leaders
Curiosity and quest for knowledge
People began to study and question just for the sake of knowledge and enjoyment
education used in businesses and trade

4. The Renaissance was marked by great scientific and artistic achievements
Significant developments in art, literature, science, math, philosophy, and religion, government, and politics
Printing press – made it possible to have more copies of books than ever before
Famous Figures
Michelangelo - Sistine Chapel
Leonardo DaVinci - Mona Lisa
William Shakespeare
Petrarch – 1st Modern Poet fascinated by classic writers
Rene Descartes - “I think, therefore I am.”
Johannes Gutenberg - Printing Press

5. Where and How Did It Start?
Started in Italy between 1300 and 1350 and spread throughout Europe
Crossroads of the trade routes through the Mediterranean Sea
Influenced by humanism
emphasizes the worth of the individual
believed it was possible to improve society through classical education
depended on teachings from ancient texts and emphasized poetry, history, influential writings, and moral philosophy

6. What else happened?
Merchants had more money and wanted to display their wealth
Hired artists to paint and commemorate the families
Changes in government and politics
European territories became unified countries under one ruler
Spain, England, France