Early Modern · StudentHub Lesson
The Renaissance
Europe's cultural rebirth from the 14th to 17th centuries.
18 minBeginner
01
What you will learn
- Define the Renaissance
- Explain why it began in Italy
- Describe humanism
- Identify key figures
- Explain the impact of the printing press
02
Watch the lesson
We haven’t confirmed a lesson video that matches this topic closely enough yet, so the notes below are the lesson for now. A recommended video will be added once we’ve checked one properly.
03
Topic notes
Main Idea
The Renaissance ('rebirth') was a period, beginning in Italy in the 14th century, of renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman learning, art and science.
Key Concepts
- It began in wealthy Italian city-states such as Florence
- Humanism focused on human potential and classical texts
- Patrons like the Medici funded artists
- Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used realism and perspective
- Gutenberg's printing press (c. 1440) spread ideas quickly
Definitions
- Humanism: A movement focused on human achievement and the study of classical texts.
- Patron: A wealthy person who funds artists or scholars.
- Perspective: An art technique creating the illusion of depth.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the Renaissance happened suddenly in one year
- Believing it only concerned art
- Forgetting the role of trade and wealth
04
Key concepts
It began in wealthy Italian city-states such as FlorenceHumanism focused on human potential and classical textsPatrons like the Medici funded artistsArtists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used realism and perspectiveGutenberg's printing press (c. 1440) spread ideas quickly
05
Important terms
- Humanism
- A movement focused on human achievement and the study of classical texts.
- Patron
- A wealthy person who funds artists or scholars.
- Perspective
- An art technique creating the illusion of depth.
06
Quick revision
- Means 'rebirth'
- Began in Italy, 14th century
- Humanism and classical learning
- Patronage, e.g. the Medici
- Leonardo, Michelangelo
- Printing press spread ideas
07
Check your understanding
Question 1 · Multiple choice
In which country did the Renaissance begin?
Question 2 · Short answer
Who developed the movable-type printing press in Europe?
Question 3 · True or false
Humanism focused on human potential and classical learning.
Done with The Renaissance?
Sign in to save your progress across the library.