By: Maggie Gunawan
What was the Renaissance? | When and where did the Renaissance begin?
Influences of the Renaissance | Art and Architecture | Music | Literature | Math and Science
How the Renaissance affects us. | Works Cited
Renaissance means "rebirth". This refers to Europe’s growing interest in Greek and Roman writing and ideas. It also helped emphasized people as individuals. It is characterized by scholars, artists, and scientists making advances in art and science. Europe also experienced economic and cultural growth.
When and where did the Renaissance begin?
The Renaissance began in 1450. It lasted from 1450 - 1600. The renaissance first began in Florence and later spread through out Europe.
There were many influential people during the Renaissance, but the most influential people were musicians and artists. Musicians and artists were very influential because they created many masterpieces that are still known today. Many artists also created the first sketches of some everyday items we use today. During the Renaissance trade boomed and many families became wealthy. These families used the extra money to support the music and art. By doing this, Florence became the center of center of art and culture.
Michelangelo di Buanorroti (March 6, 1475 – February 18, 1564) – He was born in
Florence but later
lived in Rome. In 1501, Michelangelo is hired to carve a
statue of King David for Florence’s Cathedral. In 1508, Michelangelo was hired
by Pope Julius II to paint the Sistine chapel. Around 1530, Michelangelo was
in charge of designing the
Laurentian Library.
Michelangelo played a important role in advancing European art. I chose
Michelangelo because he was widely know for his art and helped historians get a
better understanding of the Renaissance period.
Giovanni Palestrina (March 4, 1525 – February 2, 1594)- He lived in Palestrina. He wrote many compositions including over 300 motets and 140 madrigals. One of his most famous works is Missa Papae Marcelli. He wrote sacred music. I chose this person because he helped create many masterpieces that inspired many later musicians.
Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616) - William Shakespeare is a widely known English poet and playwright. He wrote 38 plays and many poems. His plays expanded from tragedies to comedies. He wrote many plays including Romeo and Juliet, The Two Noble Kinsmen, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I chose William Shakespeare because he opened a new world of writing.
Nicolaus Copernicus (February 19, 1473 – May 24, 1543) – He was born in Torun.
He spent his working
life in Warmia. Nicolaus Copernicus was a European
astronomer that made many discoveries. Nicolaus created the
Copernican theory. This theory was published in a book
called De Rsevolutionibus Orbium Coelestium. He also had other
theories such as the Ptolemaic system and studied
previous theories by Heraclides Ponticus. Nicolaus' discoveries led to
new theories about the universe. I chose Nicolaus because he brought many theories to this world
and also led scientists in making new discoveries.
How the Renaissance affects us.
When Marco Polo traveled around the world he opened a new world of trading. By doing this, he allowed the Romans to trade with the Chinese. This caused the cultures to blend. By trading with china, many merchants became wealthy and focused on their culture by putting that money towards art and music. This also led to new inventions that we use in the modern world. The advancements in music made during the Renaissance affects our modern music.
The decision to study history, math, and science, not only religion, is important because more people could make advancements in astronomy and math. By studying astronomy, scientist discovered that the earth revolves around the sun and not the other way around. During the Renaissance, the positive, negative, and square root signs were created. By advancing in math, new formulas helped advance in architecture. Bigger domes cold be built and the foundations of the house could be lighter.
Shakespeare affects us today because his plays are still preformed in theater. Without his plays, theater might not exists and movies might have never been invented. We also would not understand how the people of Renaissance lived. We also might not have developed new was of thinking and writing.
World History Medieval to Early Modern Times, Student Edition, Stanley M. Burstein,Orlando,Holt, Rinehart and Winston,2006
"Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina." Wikipedia. 23 April 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 25 Apr 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Palestrina>.
"William Shakespeare." Wikipedia. 24 April 2007. Wikimedia Foundation,Inc. 25 Apr 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakesphere>.
"Nicolaus Copernicus." Wikipedia. 25 April 2007. Wikimedia Foundation,Inc. 25 Apr 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaus_Copernicus>.
"Renaissance." Capistrano Elementary School. 25 Apr 2007 <http://web.empire.k12.ca.us/capistrano/Mike/capmusic/renaissance/renaissa.htm>.