Renaissance

Renaissance is a period in European history, roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a revival of interest in classical antiquity and a shift toward human-centered inquiry. Originating in Italy—particularly in Florence, with the Medici as patrons—the movement spread to northern Europe and beyond. Its beginnings are linked to the recovery of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts, urban wealth, and a renewed interest in civic life, art, and learning after the Middle Ages. The term Renaissance, meaning rebirth, was popularized in the 19th century; modern scholarship often emphasizes its varied and gradual nature rather than a single event.

Humanism became the guiding philosophy, focusing on the study of literature, history, philosophy, and rhetoric from antiquity. Innovations in art and architecture were fueled by new techniques in perspective and classical forms, as seen in works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, as well as in architecture by Brunelleschi and Palladio. In science, figures like Copernicus, Vesalius, Galileo, and Kepler advanced observation and inquiry, challenging medieval authorities and laying groundwork for modern science. The invention of the printing press facilitated the rapid spread of ideas.

Renaissance ideas contributed to changes in education, politics, religion, and culture. It spurred secular and individualist thinking, altered conceptions of authority, and intersected with the Protestant Reformation and the scientific revolution. While more pronounced in Italy, the Renaissance also influenced Northern Europe, leading to developments in art, literature, and governance. Its legacy includes a reevaluation of antiquity, a reshaping of education, and a transition toward early modern Europe.