Origins and personal life
When and where was he born?
On April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy.
What schools did he attend?
He did not attend university; he learned in workshops and on his own.
What was his greatest achievement or contribution to humanity?
Works such as The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as studies in anatomy and engineering.
What was happening in the world during his lifetime?
Europe was immersed in the Renaissance, a period of great artistic and scientific growth, but also of constant political conflicts between the various Italian city-states.
Which civilization dominated most of the mexican territory while Leonardo da Vinci lived in Italy?
The Aztec Empire, which had its capital in Tenochtitlan and was the most powerful civilization in mesoamerica in that time.
What was his family like?
His father was a notary and his mother a peasant; they never lived together.
Did he have an important teacher or mentor in his life?
Yes, Andrea del Verrocchio, a Florentine artist.
How did his career or main job begin?
As an apprentice in Verrocchio's workshop in Florence.
What social problems did he face during his time?
The social and political instability of the time, such as the threat of epidemics like the plague in Milan, and the restrictive religious norms.
Which city was the most important political, economic and religious center in mesoamerica at that time?
Tenochtitlan
Did he have brothers or sisters? What role did they play in his life?
Yes, he had several half-siblings, but they did not have much influence on his life.
Was he a good student?
Yes, very curious and observant, although largely self-taught.
At what age did he begin to gain recognition?
By the age of 20, he was already known as a talented painter.
Did he support any social or political causes?
No, Leonardo da Vinci did not explicitly champion any social or political causes.
What kinds of buildings did the Mexica build?
They build pyramids, temples and chinampas
What was the place where he grew up like?
A small rural town, full of hills, fields, and natural landscapes.
What subjects interested him most?
Art, anatomy, architecture, engineering, and natural sciences.
Did he win any awards, medals, or recognition?
Not formal awards, but the admiration of powerful patrons such as the Medici and European kings.
Did he have enemies or people who opposed his ideas?
Yes, Leonardo da Vinci had enemies and opponents, mainly due to his intense rivalry with Michelangelo and the accusations of sodomy he faced from the Holy Inquisition.
Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519, that started the spanish conquest of the mexica empire
Did he have any special nicknames or names during his life?
He was called "Leonardo da Vinci," which means "Leonardo from the village of Vinci."
What language(s) did he speak?
Italian and some Latin.
What impact did his actions have on his country?
He evolved art and science with his humanistic and empirical approach, laying the foundations for the modern scientific method.
Was he a controversial or respected person?
He was primarily a highly respected figure, considered a universal genius and one of the greatest artists in history
What other peoples lived in Mexico besides the Mexica?
There were the maya, zapotec, mixtec and purépecha peoples