The plague entered Europe in this year
What is 1347?
This Italian sailor commanded the first European voyage to the New World, even if he didn't realize it
Who is Christopher Columbus?
This staple food, also known as "corn" in the USA, formed the basis of the Mesoamerican diet
What is Maize?
The Renaissance began in this European country
What is Italy?
The Medici were based primarily in this prominent Italian city
What is Florence?
This German monk and writer became famous for his 95 Theses, which are often taken as the beginning of the Reformation
Who is Martin Luther?
This iconic English king joined the Reformation not for religious, but political, reasons
This is the scientific name of the lethal bacteria responsible for the plague
What is yersinia pestis?
Understanding this globe-spanning natural phenomenon was key to European navigation of the oceans
What are the Tradewinds?
This formerly-Aztec city has been one of the largest cities in the world for 600 years
What is Mexico City, or Tenochtitlan
Improvements to this machine helped in the spread of books and writing
What is the mechanical printing press?
This prominent Medici was the patron of many Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo and Leonardo
Who is Lorenzi de Medici?
Christians who rejected the Catholic Church's authority during the Reformation became known by this name, that they still use
What are Protestants, or Lutherans
Columbus reached the New World in this year
What is 1492?
One third, one-quarter, to one half are all common estimates of this
This prominent European monarch agreed to fund the first succesful expedition to the New World
Who is Isabella of Castille?
The chief Aztec deity, who required human sacrifice (you must try to pronounce it)
Who is Huītzilōpōchtli?
This English playwright was the most famous figure in the English Renaissance
Who is William Shakespeare?
This prominent Medici became Queen of France, where she redefined the French monarchy through 40 years of power
Who was Catherine de'Medici?
The sale of these controversial documents, that promised reduced punishment in the afterlife, was a major complaint during the Reformation
What are Indulgences?
Medieval doctors believed that human health was controlled by the balance of these substances
What are humors?
Medieval doctors used this term to describe "bad" or "poisoned" air that might spread disease
What is Miasma?
This word refers to Spanish adventurers and mercenaries who explored and invaded the "New World."
Who were Conquistadors?
The last Aztec tlatoani, killed in 1519
Who was Montezuma?
This intellectual tradition emphasized studying the human experience via history, literature, art, and philosophy
What is Humanism?
The Medici obtained most of their power through this influential business, vital to merchants and nobles
What was the Medici Bank?
Though he predated the Catholic church officially, this apostle is often considered the "First Pope"
Who is Saint Peter?
What were "Flower Wars?"
Members of this radical religious movement wandered from town to town publicly whipping themselves to seek God's favor
Who were the flagellants?
According to Columbus' flawed calculations, the distance between Asia and Europe was only this many miles
What is 2,400?
This Nahua-speaking woman, also known as Marina, was vital to Hernan Cortez' success
Who is La Malinche?
The government of the city-states where the Renaissance began are usually referred to by this name, because they relied heavily on trade and lacked monarchs
What are merchant republics?
This old latin name means "power-by-wealth"
What is 'Plutocrat?'
This German prince, though Catholic, helped the Reformation spread by sheltering the Church's most prominent critic after his excommunication
Who was Frederick III of Saxony?
The execution of this popular Czech priest caused a series of rebellions against Catholic authority that saw firearms used effectively for the first time
Who was Jun Hus?