The Renaissance

The movement of humanism was born

Jan 1, 1300

Humanism originated from 14th century Italy. Scholars looked back at ancient Greek and Roman culture, learned from it, and applied it to their life. This is important because it caused the way of thinking to change completely. People took the techniques of painters back then, and applied it to their own art. People began to study themselves (humans) and the world around them. It was a complete rebirth of Europe.

Petrarch was born

Jul 20, 1304

Petrarch was born in 1304, in Arrezo, Italy. He is important because he wrote many great works that inspired countless others. As well, he played a key role in bringing around the start of humanism. Finally, he was instrumental in uniting Italy.

The Black Death

Jul 1, 1348

From 1348 - 1450, the Black Death swept across Europe. It is important because it reduced the population of Europe almost by half. This caused an economic depression, because there were less people to work, and less people to trade. There was also a higher focus on education, (people wanted a scientific cure). As well, Jewish people were discriminated, because it was believed that they were responsible. People also believed that God had turned their backs on them.

Joan of Arc led the French army to victory

May 4, 1429

Joan of Arc led the French to victory against the English in the Battle of Orléans (May 4-7), and other battles. She was very important because she single-handedly managed to win the war for the French. She also has a legacy behind her, as she believed she saw visions of the future, from God, and so was made a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

Leon Battista Alberti introduced linear perspective

Jan 1, 1435

Alberti introduced the theory of linear perspective, which is the idea that converging lines meet at a single vanishing point, and objects get smaller as they get farther away. This caused the paintings of the artist to change, and become three-dimensional. It also meant that paintings were no longer meant to glorify God. They related to the viewer instead.

Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press

Jan 1, 1445

In 1445, in Germany, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press.This is important, because it spread information faster, since people didn’t have to painstakingly copy out each piece of writing. This meant that people had access to the Bible, as well as the writings and ideas of humanists, which spread the mowement of humanism. As well, a stronger economy was created out of the new book trade, and people became more educated.

Leonardo da Vinci is born

Apr 15, 1452

Leonardo da Vinci was born in April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy. He is very important, because his artwork inspired many painters of his time, and also those after the Renaissance. As well, he made many accurate scientific discoveries, although they were not widely accepted or known.

Constantinople fell

Apr 6, 1453

Constantinople (now Istanbul) fell to the Ottoman Turks. It is considered a key event in the start of the Renaissance because gunpowder and cannons were used, and the religion in Constantinople changed from Christianity to Islamism. It also closed off the main overland trade route to Asia, causing the Europeans to look for a sea trade route to Asia. This also caused Greek scholars to flee to Italy, bringing with them knowledge of ancient cultures, and maybe triggering the Renaissance.

The Battle of Bosworth Field

Aug 22, 1485

In the Battle of Bosworth, Henry Tudor (who became Henry VII) of the House of Landcaster defeated Richard III of the House of York, so beginning the Tudor dynasty. It was important because England was united after the battle, the Tudor dynasty lasting until 1603. The Battle of Bosworth Field brought about the end of the Wars of the Roses, and England became an important, powerful part of Europe.

Christopher Columbus discovers the New World

Oct 1, 1492

Christopher Columbus, supported by the Spanish monarchy, discovered the Americas. This is important because it led to a variety of culture exchanges that had huge affects on both the Europeans and Native Americans. The Europeans profited, although there were ill effects. The natives, however, were almost or completely obliterated, by diseases, and war brought by the Europeans, although they did get some valuable commodites they didn't have before. They were changed entirely by the Europeans.

Raphael created the Stanza della Segnatura

Jan 1, 1508

Raphael Sanzio was commissioned by Pope Julius II to create the fresco Stanzo della Segnatura to decorate his personal library, at the end of 1508. It was Raphael's greatest work, and made a huge impact on Roman art. The Stanza della Segnatura marks the High Renaissance in Rome. It had a great impact on the other art of the Roman Renaissance.

Erasmus wrote In Praise of Folly

Jan 1, 1509

Desiderius Erasmus wrote his best known work in Latin, in 1509. It was very important in starting the Reformation, as it was popular. It is also considered one of the best works of the Renaissance, and is still read and studied today.

The Reformation

Jan 1, 1517

The Reformation began in 1517, with the publication of Luther's 95 Theses, and ended in 1648, when the Thirty Years' War (between the Protestants and Catholics) ended, and the Peace of Westphalia treaties were signed. The Reformation was important because it was a complete change in the Catholic Church. People were no longer all one religion, and the freedoms, and beliefs we have today were put into place. As well, this took away some of the Church's power, putting in place modern structure.

Martin Luther announces his concerns about the Church

Oct 31, 1517

Martin Luther posted a paper on his concerns about the Catholic Church in 1517. This is important because his request was what started the demand for the reformation of the Catholic Church, and ultimately caused the Reformation.

Machiavelli published The Prince

Jan 1, 1532

In 1532, 5 years after Niccolo Machiavelli (the author) died, The Prince was published. It is important because of its influence on rulers in the Renaissance. It influenced both Protestant and Catholic leaders, as well as other written works. It is also considered the first book of modern political philosophy.

King Henry VIII was made the Supreme Head of the Church

Jan 1, 1534

King Henry VIII was made the Supreme Head of the Church by an Act of Parliament, so taking away the pope's power. This is important because it brought about the reformation of the Catholic Church.

John Calvin put his Reformed Doctrine into place

Jan 1, 1541

John Calvin was invited to Geneva in 154, where he put his Reformed Doctrine into position. This is important because they were the base of a section of Protestantism today known as Calvinism.

Copernicus suggests the heliocentric model of the universe

Jan 1, 1543

In 1543, Nicholaus Copernicus published a paper that suggested that the Sun was at the center of the solar system. This is important because, although it had been suggested before, it was supported by more mathmatical calculations. He was the first person to create a complete system of a heliocentric model. Other people built on that theory, so that it was eventually accepted.

Galileo Galilei was born

Feb 15, 1564

Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy. He is important because he invented many important objects

William Shakespeare was born

Apr 26, 1564

William Shakespeare was born in 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He is very important because he has left a legacy behind him that exists to this day. His plays have been studied, and interpereted countless times, and are performed around the world. His plays capture the vast range of human emotions and conflicts, which is what made him so popular.