Chapter 16

The Italian

Renaissance

The Renaissance lasted from 1350-1600 and marked the end of the Medieval period. It was a time of cultural awakening and exploration of the natural world.

It began in Italy because they had access to trade with many other cultures (like the Byzantine Empire.)

New intellectual movements began such as humanism, that focused on secular (non- religious) topics. This created a belief in the value of the individual.

They believed that all individuals had dignity, worth, and value. The best way to develop these are through education.

Stay inschoolor you

may turnout like

me!

The Italians opened schools that taught Greek, Latin, philosophy, and history (the only important ones.)

We learn Greekbecause Belisariusspoke Greek, son.

?

Do not believe everything your book says. Nicolo Machiavelli didn’t really believe what he wrote in his book, The Prince.

Hmmm, I’ve killed them all, now what’s

for supper?

The new learning caused quite a stir. Some people found out that the document that gave the Pope legal supremacy over kings was actually a forgery!

Legul dokumunt.

-by Pope Bobby II

They also found out that the “Donation of Constantine” was a forgery. (Oops!) This made the Church look bad.

Oops...

In Italy, the people resisted the efforts of kings to rule them, so they remained in independent city-states often ruled by wealthy families, but they had tremendous freedom.

= $

Unfortunately, they often fought against each other in business

related conflicts. Many of these were resolved through diplomacy.

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It’s all about the Benjamins!!