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Italian Renaissance

Definition

The Italian Renaissance was a period of great cultural change and achievement in Europe that spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. It marked the transition from medieval times to the early modern age, characterized by significant developments in art, architecture, politics, science, and literature.

Analogy

Think of the Italian Renaissance as a massive "reboot" for European culture - like when your computer is running slow and you restart it to clear out all the old data and start fresh. This reboot brought back ideas from ancient Greece and Rome (the classical texts) and introduced new ways of thinking about humanity's place in the world (humanist values).

Related terms

Classical Texts: Classical texts refer to written works produced during antiquity—specifically those from Ancient Greece or Rome—that have had lasting significance throughout centuries.

Humanist Values: Humanist values refer to a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, preferring critical thinking and evidence over acceptance of dogma or superstition.

Patronage: This refers to support given by a patron (often a wealthy individual or family) towards artists or scholars. During the Italian Renaissance this system played an important role in encouraging artistic development.

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Practice Questions (20+)

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.