The Renaissance and Age of Discovery were developed in the context of the rediscovery of works from ancient Greece and Rome and the observation of the natural world which changed the view of many Europeans. A revival of classical texts led to new methods of scholarship and new values in society and religion. Europeans explored and settled overseas territories, encountering and interacting with indigenous populations. The exploration was driven by commercial and religious motives, as well as economic changes that produced new social patterns. The struggle for sovereignty within and among states resulted in varying degrees of political centralization. The new concept of the sovereign state and secular systems of law played a central role in the creation of new political institutions.
As the economy and society changed, new ideas began to appear during the Renaissance period. This period of interest and developments in art, literature, science, and learning is known as the Renaissance, or "rebirth." The Renaissance was characterized by inspiration from the ancients, different viewpoints, and was influenced by classical learning and the increased desire for scientific and technical knowledge.
Causes of the Renaissance
The causes of the Renaissance include increased trade with Asia and other regions due to the Crusades, urbanization in Italian city-states, the rise of powerful merchants, and a renewed interest in classical learning. The revival of classical texts contributed to the development of the Renaissance in Italy, leading to a humanist revival of Greek and Roman texts that challenged the institutional power of universities and the Catholic Church.
The Renaissance period was characterized by a revival of classical art forms and a focus on individualism, secularism, and humanism. The characteristics that distinguish the Renaissance from the Middle Ages include the emphasis on individual ability, political disorder, and the recovery from the Black Death. The revival of classical texts contributed to the development of the Renaissance in Italy, shifting education away from theology toward the study of the classical texts.
Italian Renaissance
Italian Renaissance humanists, including Petrarch, promoted a revival in classical literature and created new philological approaches to ancient texts. Humanists furthered the values of secularism and individualism, shifting the focus of education away from theology toward the study of classical texts. The humanist revival of Greek and Roman texts challenged the institutional power of universities and the Catholic Church, leading to a revival of civic humanist culture in Italy.
In conclusion, the causes and context of the Renaissance, as well as the characteristics of the Renaissance period, are closely linked to the revival of classical texts and the increased focus on secularism and humanism. The exploration and settlement during the Renaissance, particularly in Italian city-states, played a crucial role in shaping the development of the period. Renaissance art and literature were influenced by the rediscovery of works from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the observation of the natural world, leading to new methods of scholarship and new values in both society and religion.
This revival of classical literature and the emphasis on secularism and individualism played a significant role in shaping the Renaissance and its lasting effects on European society and culture.
