2. QUESTIONS TO
CONSIDER…
What does the word ‘renaissance’ mean?
Where did the Renaissance begin?
Why did the Renaissance begin?
How do we know about the Renaissance?
3. BACKGROUND
During the Renaissance there was a rebirth of learning and art
throughout much of Europe.
The Renaissance began during the late Middle Ages.
It lasted from approximately 1450 to 1650.
It began in Italy and spread to other northern European countries.
4.
5. RENAISSANCE
BEGINNINGS IN ITALY
During this time Italy had been the home of the ancient Roman
civilisation.
Roman ruins such as the Colosseum inspired some Italians to learn
more about ancient Rome.
The Italian language is based on Latin, which made it easier for
Italians to study the manuscripts of ancient Roman writers such as
Cicero and Julius Caesar.
6. Italy was divided into several city-states.
Can you name any of these places?
The rulers of these city-states wanted to show off their great wealth
and were very interested in the arts.
They employed famous artists, sculptors and architects to decorate
their various palaces and towns.
These wealthy rulers were know as patrons of the arts.
Their support of the arts and the artists was vital to the Renaissance.
34. The Renaissance spread to England, France, the
Netherlands and Germany from 1500 onwards.
This is often known as the Northern Renaissance.
35. Artists from these countries visited Italy to see
what the Italian artists were doing.
They worked with the Italian artists and began to
learn new skills.
These artists were able to bring these skills back
home.
39. Cheaper Books
were made
available.
More people
now wanted to
learn to read
and write.
New Ideas
spread quickly
The
through
importance reading these
of printing books.
Standard versions
of European
languages emerged.
40. Books and documents were first written in Latin.
But most people could not understand Latin.
When printing was invented, printers wanted to make
more money by selling more books.
They decided to print books in the spoken language of
the people.
This process was known as printing in the Vernacular.
