Artistic, cultural, political, and intellectual renaisance in Europe (from 14th to 18th century). It had a resurgence of interest in ancient knowledge and civilization as well as the development of humanism and individuality.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance was first experienced in Italy and later adopted by other parts of Europe. These include, but are not limited to, names like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Galileo Galilei, and William Shakespeare who are some of the finest figures of the Renaissance.
Some of the key developments of the Renaissance include:
- Art: Renaissance artists came to adopt new styles and skills, creating classic pieces including Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelle Angelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.
- Architecture: The Duomo in Florence and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome were some of the famous architectural designs done by Renaissance architects who had revived classic styles and proportions.
- Literature: Renaissance writers wrote in one or more of the dialects spoken across Europe, resulting in many of the greatest literary works ever created, including Shakespeare’s plays and Don Quixote by Cervantes.
- Science: Many important scientific breakthroughs took place across the fields of astronomy, physics, and mathematics during the Renaissance. Take e.g. Copernicus who advanced a theory that placed the sun as opposed to Earth at the center of the universe, or Galileo Galilee who made fresh discoveries about the planet through his telescope.
- Politics: It is possible to speak about the emergence of novel political notions during the Renaissance like republicanism or Machiavellianism. These are some of the ideas adopted for shaping the modern democracy.
Europe underwent significant change and progress during the Renaissance. It changed how Europeans saw themselves and perceived their environment. Modernity has its beginning in the Renaissance as well.