Renaissance Historical Overview

Renaissance and Historical Context

• Originated in Italy during the 14th century, marking a revival of classical art, architecture, literature, and learning.
• Transitioned from the Middle Ages, a period from the 4th to the 14th centuries characterized by the decline of the Roman Empire.

Key Historical Terms

• CE (Common Era): System of year numbering based on the birth of Jesus Christ, widely accepted globally.
• Era: Defined as a specific period in history, marked by notable events or developments.
• Byzantine Empire: Successor of the Roman Empire in the east, existing from the 4th to the 15th centuries.

Major Religions

• Judaism: Monotheistic faith of the Jews centered on the belief in one God, primarily described in the Hebrew Bible.
• Christianity: Based on the teachings of Jesus and the Old and New Testament, emphasizing belief in one God.
• Islam: Monotheistic faith founded on the teachings of Muhammad and the revelations in the Koran.

Feudal System and Governance

• Describes a political-economic-social structure prevalent in the Middle Ages, with a rigid hierarchical class system.
• Monarchs held the greatest power, followed by clergy and nobles, knights, lower clergy, and serfs, who were the majority yet held the least power.
• The system was characterized by landholding and the relationships between different social classes.

Political Structures

• Oligarchy: Government form where control rests with a small group of influential individuals.
• Republic: Political state where power resides with the population or their elected representatives.
• Despotism: Rule by a leader with absolute power, often viewed as oppressive.

Social and Economic Aspects

• Urbanization: Movement of people from rural areas to cities, changing demographic patterns and social structures.
• Guild: Organizations formed by craftsmen or merchants to regulate their trades and maintain standards.
• Aristocracy: Social class consisting of nobles or individuals with inherited titles.

Cultural Contributions

• Fresco: A technique of mural painting on wet plaster, commonly used in Renaissance artworks.
• Basilica: Significant Roman Catholic cathedrals known for their architectural and historical importance.

Miscellaneous Concepts

• Diplomacy: Art of negotiating and managing relationships, particularly in government and international affairs.
• Pilgrim: Individuals who travel to sacred sites for religious reasons, often part of significant historical events such as the Crusades.
• Astrology: Study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs, widely practiced in the Renaissance era.