Lecture on the Italian Renaissance

Introduction

• Focus on the Italian Renaissance
• Connection to the Black Death

What is the Renaissance?

• Time period: 1350s to 1600s CE
• "Renaissance" means "rebirth" in French
  • Spanish equivalent: "Renascimento"
• Rebirth of Greek and Roman ideas lost during the Middle Ages

Key Ideas Reborn During the Renaissance

• Philosophy, science, art, math
• Literacy increased (printing press introduced)
• New perspectives on government inspired by Roman ideas

Causes of the Renaissance

Black Death

• Killed 60% of the European population
• Led to higher wages and better conditions for surviving workers
• Rise of a new middle class with increased wealth

Economic Recovery

• Strengthening of European economy
• Silk Road reopened and thrived
  • Protected by Yuan Dynasty in China
  • Increased trade led to wealth growth
• Growth of independent trading cities, notably Florence
  • Florence: center of Renaissance, banking, and textile production

Medici Family

• Powerful banking family ruling Florence in 15th and 16th centuries
• Funded and commissioned artwork, boosting artistic explosion

The Catholic Church

• Became wealthy through indulgences and donations
• Commissioned artwork to reinforce Christian significance
  • Example: "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci

Italy During the Renaissance

• Italy was divided into smaller states/kingdoms
  • Major centers: Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Florence
• Florence as a major hub of Renaissance activity

Conclusion

• Major factors behind the Renaissance: Black Death, economic growth, Medici patronage, and church influence
• Next lesson focus: Renaissance artists and their ideas

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• End of lecture. Further exploration to continue in the next session.