Government
What is a city state?
EXTRA: Name an example of one.
A city-state is an independent kingdom or state made up of a city and the surrounding lands it controls.
A trading city like Venice or Pisa was a city state over time.
How did Baldassare Castiglione contribute to the Renaissance?
Baldassare Castiglione wrote The Book of the Courtier, in which he described the qualities of an ideal Renaissance man. The qualities he listed included proficiencies in sports, the arts, music, and learning.
Most of all, according to Castiglione, this man should present himself with a grace and modesty that does not call attention to his abilities, but instead allows them to be shown with an air of casualness.
How did humanism impact art during the Renaissance?
Art began to focus on humans rather than lofty religious themes. Artists painted what they observed.
During the Renaissance, what was the major philosophical movement? Explain it.
Humanism was a philosophical movement that developed in the 1300s in Italy and later spread throughout Europe. Humanists believed in individuals’ ability to influence the world around them, not just accept the world as they found it. Humanists also looked to ancient Greek and Latin writers to understand their interpretations of the world.
What did the signore have the power to do?
The signore had the power to control most aspects of the government, including passing laws and choosing a successor.
Who were Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio?
How did they impact the Renaissance movement?
They were the first Renaissance humanists.
In an attempt to find more classical Greek and Roman manuscripts, Petrarch and Boccaccio began to search the libraries of monasteries throughout Europe. Petrarch, Boccaccio, and other humanists studied these works, translated them, and even prepared new editions.
How did the Renaissance art impact the rest of Europe during the 1400s?
During the late 1400s and early 1500s, armies from France, Germany, and Spain invaded Italy. The invading soldiers were impressed by the beautiful Renaissance art and architecture. When they returned home, they spread the news of the marvels they saw in Italy.
TRUE OR FALSE
The early humanists rejected Christianity and despised its influence on society
FALSE
Early humanists did not reject Christianity. Instead of focusing on the afterlife, humanists used religious ideals and thoughts to look for solutions to the problems and concerns of the living.
Petrarch, as well as other later Renaissance thinkers, believed that the ideas of Plato validated, or supported, the beliefs of Christianity.
What is the difference between a signoria (principality) and republicanism?
In the signoria, one powerful family controlled the government.
In republicanism, it was a group of powerful families that worked together to govern the city.
Who is Gerard Mercator?
De Humani Corporis Fabrica was published in 1543. It contained the first accurate knowledge of the human body.
Who invented the printing press?
EXTRA: What was the Impact of the printing press on Renaissance Europe?
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press.
This invention significantly increased the number of books available to the public, thereby enhancing the spread of humanist ideas.
TRUE or FALSE
During the Middle Ages, there were lots of cities.
FALSE
most of Europe was divided into fiefs, which were ruled by lords or vassals. These fiefs often consisted of a manor house and surrounding farmland.
How was Italy different from the rest of Europe?
EXTRA: Why did the Renaissance begin there?
Italy had developed 200 independent city-states rather than fiefs. They also had access to waterways which allowed them to trade so many people became rich from this exchange. They had access to different cultures and supported artists and humanist thinkers.
The Renaissance was fueled by competition between the Italian city-states. As they became rich through trade, they wanted to show off their wealth, beauty, and culture. They funded the arts and education in a race to be the best.
Why were the Medici family important in Italy
The Medici family of Florence was one of the most famous patrons in Italy. They controlled the largest bank in Europe and supported such well-known Renaissance artists as Michelangelo and Raphael.
Why are Leonardo da Vinci's works considered "masterpieces?"
Many of Leonardo’s works are considered masterpieces today because it combined great technical skill with the ability to convey emotions in his works, what he referred to as “physical and spiritual motion.”
What did people centralize during the Middle Ages?
People centered religion in society and culture, most people focused on the goal of reaching heaven after they died.
The Roman Catholic Church became a powerful presence in society and contributed to the cultural and educational achievements of the era.
How did Niccolo Machiavelli impact the way people ruled the government?
He wrote a book called The Prince.
The Prince set the standard for the modern concept of the state and how to go about enforcing it. In the book, Machiavelli wrote about the main qualities a prince, or leader, should possess. He also discussed the principles a leader should follow in order to retain power. One of the key ideas in his book was “the end justifies the means.” According to Machiavelli, a leader should try to do only good, but should be able to do evil if necessary.
Who was Andreas Vesalius and why was he important to the Renaissance?
Andreas Vesalius was a young physician when he wrote the book: De Humani Corporis Fabrica. De Humani Corporis Fabrica was published in 1543. It contained the first accurate knowledge of the human body.
What new technique did Jan Van Eyck focus on developing during his art career?
Jan Van Eyck began to work in the newly developing technique of oil painting. Oil dried more slowly than other paints, which allowed artists to work on specific sections for a longer time and create more detail. This helped van Eyck achieve the realism for which his work is known.
TRUE or FALSE
During the Middle Ages in Europe, Muslims made many scientific and cultural advances. Muslims made breakthroughs in medicine and the use of drugs to cure diseases.
TRUE
They also made advancements in math (ex: geometry and algebra), astronomy, geography, and architecture.