Renaissance Figures
Who painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper?
Leonardo da Vinci
Who is credited with discovering the Americas in 1492, although he thought he had reached Asia?
Christopher Columbus
Who invented the printing press around 1450, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge?
Johannes Gutenberg
This philosophical movement, central to the Renaissance, emphasized the value of human experience and individual potential. What is it called?
Humanism
Which famous sculptor created the statue of David and painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
Michelangelo
Which Portuguese explorer was the first to sail around the Cape of Good Hope to reach India?
Vasco da Gama
This navigational tool helped explorers determine direction at sea. What is it called?
Compass
Which Renaissance philosopher is known for his belief that "people are not born, they become," emphasizing the power of education?
Erasmus
This scholar from Florence is often referred to as the "father of Humanism." Who is he?
Petrarch
This explorer was the first to circumnavigate the globe, although he died before completing the journey. Who is he?
Ferdinand Magellan
This type of ship, developed by the Portuguese, was crucial for long-distance exploration. What is it called?
Caravel
This Italian poet and scholar, who is often considered the first Humanist, is known for his work Letters to Laura and his emphasis on classical Latin. Who is he?
Petrarch
Which writer, known for The Divine Comedy, was an important figure of Italian literature in the Renaissance?
Dante Alighieri
Which explorer, sponsored by Spain, is credited with the first European contact with the New World in the Caribbean in 1492?
Christopher Columbus
Which event, involving the fall of a Byzantine city in 1453, led to the mass migration of Greek scholars to Italy, helping spark the Renaissance?
The Fall of Constantinople
Who wrote The Prince, a book on political philosophy, offering advice to rulers on how to maintain power?
Niccolò Machiavelli
This philosopher’s work was pivotal in shaping the ideas of the Renaissance. He wrote Utopia and criticized the church's power. Who is he?
Erasmus
Which 1498 voyage to India was significant for establishing the Portuguese spice trade route?
Vasco da Gama’s journey to Calicut, India
What was the significant technological advancement in communication and knowledge sharing that allowed books to be printed quickly and at a lower cost during the Renaissance?
The Printing Press
Which famous Renaissance writer focused on the idea of the "universal man," someone who could excel in multiple areas of life, including art, science, and philosophy?
Leonardo da Vinci