History of the Renaissance After the Middle Ages

A period of time, also known as the, "Great Rebirth" was a great cultural revival that spread through Europe from the 1300s to 1500s.

​Because of civilizations trading, sharing culture, and ideas, people began rediscovering the art, literature, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome

So what is the Renaissance?

​It was easy for the Renaissance to begin in Italy because it was in a prime spot for merchants from the middle east and Africa, which helped them share knowledge of Greece and Roman History

Birthplace of the Renaissance

Another reason the Renaissance began to spread so quickly is because of the invention of the printing press.

This machine allowed for text to be quickly printed instead of written out. ​

Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg was a German inventor who created the printing press in the 1400s. His invention made it possible to print books quickly and cheaply, instead of copying them by hand. This helped spread knowledge and ideas across Europe and changed the world forever!

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​Johannes Gutenberg

Because books were easier to produce, therefore cheaper to buy, and accessible to more people, more people began to read

Increase in literacy

​As people began to read more and ideas began to spread more quickly, people became more knowledgeable about the world.

Increase in knowledge

​The government and church did not have as much control over what people were reading and learning so people began to form their own ideas and opinions

Less Censorship