The Renaissance

The Renaissance ("re-birth") was a cultural movement that spanned the 14th to 17th centuries beginning in Florence, Italy in the late Middle Ages and then spreading to the rest of Europe.1) Education - became more important, growth of schools, more books, invention of printing, literacy rates improved. In general, education not just in hands of church - scholars could question the church.2)  Drama - before, just mystery and bible plays; in Renaissance, more genres emerged, new playwrights emerged, more theatres built. 3) Art - in medieval times, focus on religion, flat, simple colours.- in Renaissance, non-religious themes as well, more realistic, perspective was used- new techniques of drawing (Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci).4)  Architecture- St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Biggest church in the world.- Il Duomo, Florence*; took 16 years to build the dome.5)  Music- development of opera- music develops outside of church- increase in number of instruments in orchestra.- Thomas Tallis (English composer).6)  Science- Copernicus (Polish) stated that world revolved around the sun and not the other way round.- Galileo(Italian)  (telescope)- Harvey (English) discovered that blood circulated around the body- Isaac Newton (English) (gravity)* Why was Florence an important city?- it stood at the meeting point of important trade routes when northern Italy was the centre of European trade.  It was a leading centre of industry and commerce.

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