MontytimelineKNB

The Beginning of the Renaissance

Jan 1, 1350

The Renaissance meaning, rebirth in French, was an essential period in the history of Europe. Humanism was a strong ideal in society. It stated the path to knowledge was through reason and faith.

The End of the Black Death Also Known as the Bubonic Plague

Jan 2, 1350

With no known cure at the time this extremely contagious epidemic ravaged all of Europe. It spread quickly through contaminated fleas on rats which made it widespread. The end of the plauge left room for regrowth after three years and 75 million dead.

Joan of Arc Siege of Orleans

Dec 8, 1429

At only 17, Joan of Arc, a peasant girl, lead France to victory at the Siege of Orleans against the English and their allies. She would later be acknowledged as a heroine of France and a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Gutenberg's Printing Press

Dec 5, 1440

This invention allowed books to be purchased cheaper and made more easily. The printing press changed the way of life in Europe. Books and pamphlets began to gain in popularity, opinions and ideas spread rapidly.

Donatello's Bronze Statue of David

Dec 8, 1440

This bronze statue depicts David after his battle with Goliath. It was Donatello's most famous sculpture making him one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance.

Pope Nicholas V Becomes Pope

Dec 8, 1447

In the course of three years as Pope, he rebuilds Saint Peter's Church and many other architectural wonders. Although, he did not widely promote the catholic faith, which some experts say helped the growth of the Protestant Reformation.

Lorenzo De Medici Ascends into Power

Dec 2, 1469

Upon his father's death, Lorenzo De Medici ascends to Ruler of Florence. Lorenzo silences the Pazzi Conspiracy. This sparks a time of prosper in Italy and he becomes known as the Patron of the Arts.

Botticelli Paints The Birth of Venus

Dec 5, 1486

Several gods are depicted dressing Venus having immerged from the sea as women. It was the first large scale painting on canvas created in Florence. The painting is Sandro Botticelli's most famous work.

Pacioli: Everything About Arithmetic, Geometry and Proportion.

Dec 3, 1494

Luca Pacioli publishes his book Everything About Arithmetic, Geometry and Proportion. Today he is known as one of the greatest mathematicians, the Father of Accounting, and a true pioneer.

Treaty of Tordesillas

Dec 8, 1494

This is the revised copy of The Line of Demarcation. Portugal was able to claim territory east of the line and Spain to the west. This treaty temporarily delayed their disputes over territorial expansion.

Leonardo Da Vinci Last Supper

Dec 6, 1498

This painting depicts Jesus and the Apostles at the last Supper. Leonardo last words were “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” Hard to believe since in is one of the most reproduced and studied paintings the world has ever seen.

Leonardo Da Vinci Mona Lisa

Dec 6, 1503

The Mona Lisa has forever changed the art world. A relatively small painting it took 2 years to paint what now is considered the most famous painting in the world. Many have been captivated by her smile and appearance.

Henry VIII Crowned as King of England

Apr 21, 1509

King Henry VIII was married six times and beheaded two of his wives. He desperately wanted a male heir and broke with the Catholic church to marry Ann Boleyn, mother of Queen Elizabeth. This begins the New Protestant Church of England.

Rafael The School of Athens

Dec 6, 1511

This painting depicts the great philosophers Aristotle and Plato. On Plato's side of the painting we see spiritual and abstract thinkers who study the unknown. On Aristotle's side of the painting we see concrete thinkers that study what can be seen.

The Praise of Folly : Erasmus

Dec 7, 1511

Erasmus points out the corruption in the Catholic Church and criticizes some of its ways. Although he himself remained Catholic all throughout his life.

Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Dec 6, 1512

One of the most famous works of Michelangelo this fresco is separated into panels, each telling their own story. It is a major tourist attraction in Vatican City.

Francis I Crowned King

Dec 8, 1515

Francis was a young, hotheaded king known for his long war campaigns and short temper. He was also a humanist and supporter of the Renaissance, commissioning many paintings and sculptures.

Martin Luther's 95 Theses

Dec 7, 1517

At the Church of Wittenberg Martin Luther nailed a copy of his propositions to the door. That single act was what started the Protestant Reformation, a new religion had just begun.

The Reformation

Dec 7, 1517

A religious and political movement of people who challenged the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Luther, Henry VIII and John Calvin were successful in their pursuits breaking from the Catholic Church and starting their own religious path into a modern era.

Birth of Queen Elizebeth I

Sep 7, 1533

She would later become queen and usher in a new age called the Elizabethan Era. For the British Empire was going to flourish under her forty-four year rule.

Saint Thomas More Death

Dec 8, 1535

More served as a consoler to King Henry VIII, for many years. After the King proclaimed himself to be the head of the Church of England, Thomas More disagreed and was beheaded. Today we remember his act of bravery and the courage he had to stand up for his beliefs, no matter the consequence.

The End of the Renaissnance

Dec 9, 1550

A new age ended, and it had changed the entire continent of Europe. The greatest, artists, mathematicians, scholars, poets, and inventors all supported by the wealthy flourished and thrived. This period of time has changed the way we live today. It would be followed by the Age of Discovery.