The Renaissance, which spanned from roughly the 14th to the 17th century, was a period of great change and discovery. It was a time when Europe emerged from the grip of the Middle Ages and began to explore new ideas in art, literature, science, technology and philosophy.
During the Middle Ages, Europe saw a decline in these areas, compared to the heyday of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. With the advent of the Renaissance, people returned to the ideals and principles developed in antiquity, through a “rebirth” that brought these ideas back to life.
Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating period in history.
Table of Contents
The Rise of Humanism
One of the most important aspects of the Renaissance was humanism, an intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievement—rather than religious doctrine—as its primary source of inspiration.
Humanists believed that humans had enormous potential that could be realized through education and exploration. This belief led to advances in many fields, including medicine and biology, architecture, philosophy, literature, art, music, and politics.
The Impact on Art and Literature in the Renaissance
The Renaissance saw a huge influx of creativity in art and literature. During this time period, some of the greatest works ever created were produced by masters such as:
- Leonardo da Vinci (The Last Supper)
- Michelangelo (David & Pieta)
- Raphael (School of Athens)
- William Shakespeare (Romeo & Juliet)
- Christopher Marlowe (Dr Faustus)
- and many more.
This “rebirth” led to a new appreciation for beauty in all forms from painting to sculpture to theater.
Technological Advances in the Renaissance
In addition to art and literature, technological advances were also made during the Renaissance. The printing press was developed, enabling books to be printed on a massive scale for the first time in history. Previously, all text had to be copied by hand. The printing press opened up knowledge to anyone who wanted it, and revolutionized communication across Europe.
Navigational instruments such as astrolabes were also developed during this era, allowing for more accurate mapping, which allowed people to better explore new lands outside their own with much greater accuracy than before.
Overall, the Renaissance marked a major turning point in world history, with advances in almost every area of life – from art to literature to science – and there is no doubt that this era played a major role in shaping our modern world as we know it today.
Students looking to gain an understanding of what life was like during this time period, or those interested in learning more about European culture between 1400-1600 AD, should definitely consider setting aside some time to read about the Renaissance.
Getting to know ancient Greece and Rome is also a rewarding way to gain a better understanding of this period.