<aside> 💡 In this lesson, you will… examine the political, scientific, and technological changes in Europe during the Renaissance.
Big Question: What innovations and ideas from the Renaissance are still relevant today?
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The Renaissance is a period in history that is challenging to define due to its multifaceted nature. Rather than being a single event, it can be broadly characterized as an era marked by a diverse range of cultural, artistic, and intellectual developments.
Many of the innovations and ideas of the Renaissance still affect us today Besides the influence in art technique that occurred, there were also changes in…
During the Renaissance, architects drew significant inspiration from the architectural marvels of ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. This influence played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive Renaissance style.
The Renaissance architects skillfully combined various Classical elements like domes, columns, and circular arches to create a simplified yet elegant classical aesthetic.
In Northern Europe, Renaissance architecture frequently intertwined with another prominent architectural style known as Gothic Architecture. This unique blend of styles in Northern Europe during the Renaissance era came to be known as the Northern Renaissance.
Baldassare Castiglione authored The Book of the Courtier, a comprehensive guide on how nobles should conduct themselves in a royal court. This influential work not only covered etiquette but also provided insights on eloquence and appropriate attire.
Nicolo Machiavelli, an Italian politician, penned The Prince, a seminal work that provided guidance on acquiring and maintaining political power. This groundbreaking book laid the foundation for the study of political science.
As the influence of the Church as a political entity waned, ideas such as those presented by Machiavelli gained traction. Consequently, the authority of rulers in Europe experienced a significant surge.
To support their reigns, rulers began to amass substantial tax revenues and raised formidable armies. This period also witnessed the emergence of the concept of nationhood, solidifying the notion of political identity.
<aside> <img src="/icons/dialogue_gray.svg" alt="/icons/dialogue_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Nationhood: national identity or independence
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The Renaissance spirit of inquiry and curiosity also led to significant advancements and breakthroughs in the field of science. During this period, scholars and thinkers made remarkable discoveries and achieved new understandings in various scientific disciplines.
For instance, in the field of medicine, Renaissance scientists made groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized medical practices and understanding of the human body. They developed new surgical techniques, improved anatomical knowledge, and made significant progress in understanding diseases and their treatments.
In the realm of astronomy, Renaissance astronomers made remarkable observations and calculations that challenged the prevailing geocentric model of the universe. They proposed and supported the heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, leading to a fundamental shift in our understanding of the cosmos.
The spirit of inquiry also extended to the study of electricity, where Renaissance scientists conducted experiments and made important contributions to the understanding of electrical phenomena. Their work laid the foundation for future advancements in the field of electricity and its practical applications.
Moreover, Renaissance mathematicians made significant progress in various branches of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. Their innovative theories and formulas contributed to the development of new mathematical methods and laid the groundwork for future mathematical advancements.
However, it is important to note that the Catholic Church, which held significant influence during the Renaissance, often opposed and tried to suppress scientific work that was perceived as conflicting with Church teachings. One such example is the controversy surrounding heliocentrism, the belief that the Earth revolves around the Sun. The Church saw this idea as contradicting the biblical teachings and attempted to ban and censor works that supported heliocentrism.