Introductory
Renaissance is considered the bridge between Black Death (A plague which
eradicated half of the European Civilization) and modern civilization. It is
speculated that it began in 14th
century and lasted till the 16th century.
It alleviated the darkness of the Middle Ages and introduced the world with
scientific, philosophic, artistic and humanistic advancements.
Religious
Reformation
During the Medieval era, Pope had all the religious and political authorities of Roman Catholic Christianity. Even kings from different kingdoms could not resist against his 'holy' orders. But it was Martin Luther who printed 95 thesis against the ill practices of the Pope in 1517 and separated England and Germany from the bondage of the Pope.
Humanism
The movement gained attraction in Italy that human is the centre of all
achievements and advancements. He can make or mash his environment and the role
of God has nothing to play with the fate of humanity. That's why, this movement
was atheist in its nature. The Humanist group emphasized on the importance of
education for all and invention of printing press alleviated the aristocratic
influence over education as the books were publicly available in large number.
Exploration
As the European people got out of their religious backwardness, the Englandeers
and Portages sea captains ventured into the unknown islands and colonised them
to enlarge their kingdoms. Christofer Columbus discovered America in 1492. But
the continent had been named after Amerigo Vespucci as he noticed that the
newly found land was not a part of the Indian continent.
Fine Arts
During the Renaissance, painting met excellently skilled painters. Da Vinci has
been the most famous and talented portrait painter in the entire human history.
Two of his paintings, Mona Lisa and The Last Supper have gained an everlasting
currency.
Scientific Innovations
The most influential innovation during this very period were scientific
inventions and corrections. In middle ages, it was believed that the earth was
the centre of the universe but Galileo and other scientists gave reasonable
theories and calculations about the heliocentric universe, although they have been
imprisoned. The ironic concept of Flat Earth gradually decayed and Geology,
Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry met their true representatives like Sir
Isaac Newton, Galileo and Nicolaus Copernicus.
Theatres and Literature
The Ancient Greek dramas were only limited to the superiority of gods and the tragic downfall of the protagonist. Renaissance introduced conduction and
alleviation of social evils in the plays performed in theatres and every
possible and non-possible theme was tried and gluttoned in literature.
Shakespeare, Spenser, Bacon and Chaucer are some of the great names in
literature during that period.
Notable Children of Renaissance
|
Name |
Place |
Occupation |
Best Known For |
|
Leonardo da Vinci |
Italy |
Painter |
The Mona Lisa & The Last Supper |
|
Desiderius Erasmus |
Holland |
Scholar |
Translation of New Testament |
|
Rane Descartes |
France |
Philosopher and Mathematician |
Modern philosophy |
|
Galileo |
Italy |
Astronomer, Physicist and Engineer |
His pioneering work with telescopes, arrested for his views on heliocentric universe |
|
Nicolaus Copernicus |
Poland |
Mathematician and Astronomer |
Modern concept of a heliocentric solar system |
|
Thomas Hobbes |
England |
Philosopher |
Leviathan |
|
Geoffrey Chaucer |
England |
Poet |
The Canterbury Tales |
|
Dante |
Italy |
Philosopher, Poet, Writer and Political Thinker |
The Divine Comedy |
|
Niccolò Machiavelli |
Italy |
Diplomat and Philosopher |
The Prince |
|
John Milton |
England |
Poet and Historian |
Paradise Lost |
|
William
Shakespeare |
England |
Playwright and Poet |
Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and The Sonnets |
