The Renaissance

The Renaissance means "rebirth"

A period of intellectual and artistic growth

Began in Italy, an area that was considered the mid point trade wise between Asia and the rest of Europe.

People used observation and experience to explain the world, rather than rely on Church teachings.

Italian scholar Petrarch, collected and studied ancient texts.

Erasmus begins to question the church based on criticizing ancient texts

Authors began to write about a non-religious subject.

Authors began writing in a local language, not Latin

Niccolo Maciavelli wrote that successful rulers did was was necessary to hold power. "the end justifies the means."

People looked to improve their material lives, clothes, food, wins and furnishings

invented a printing press with movable type in Germany

Allowed for the mass production of printed books

Will encourage the spread of new ideas

More and more people will begin to learn to read.