AIM: How did the Renaissance Change Medieval Europe?

Do Now: What do you think Renaissance means? Try to define it

in your OWN words (hint: do you think it’s positive or negative).

1. Life in Europe Before Rebirth• Life during Medieval Europe (500CE-1300CE) was harsh.

Feudalism divided people into specific social classes, ranging from lords to serfs. Closely related to feudalism was manorialism, which was a system that divided Europe into small, independent manors that were self-sufficient. Because of this, there was not much trade and limited contact in much of Europe. Whatever contact there was, was usually in the form of wars between feuding manors or between Christians and Muslims. One major influence in Europe during this time was that of the Catholic Church. Much of the clergy were well educated and involved in politics. Most people, however, were serfs, and were tied to the land—they were not educated, their only hope for a better life was in the afterlife.

• Source: Prentice Hall World Connections

GROUPS2A. Alex Lott, Kyara, Dashawn, Rosely, Lance3A. Nephtaly, Kayla, Clara, Dan, Yelisa4A. Eduardo, Humberto, Jeane, Carl, Cherise2B. Zanaysia, Rebecca, Bryan, Fareed, Adrian3B. Justice, Raymond, Nicholas, Alex G, Doug4B. Cediel, Queenly, Zaira, Joe, Nelson, Isaiah

DIRECTIONS:1. When directed, go to your group’s first document2. GROUP 2A, start at Document 2A, Group 2B start at

document 2B3. YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES AT EACH DOCUMENT!

2B. Where did the Renaissance Begin?

• Despite being affected by the Black Death, some Italian city-states continued to trade. Their location in between Africa, Asia, and Europe made Italy favorable for trade. Also, Italy had many cities that were on the coast and easily accessible on water trade routes. Trade grew sharply after the Black Death, and a growing class of merchants (businessmen) became wealthy. These merchants were inspired by the remains (old buildings) of the Roman Empire that littered much of Italy. They wanted to bring back the glory of the Roman Empire and began to fund artists, poets, and philosophers with their extra money.

• Source: Prentice Hall World Connections

REMAINS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN ITALY TODAY

Art Depicting the Medici Family – a wealthy merchant family

3B. Beliefs of the Renaissance

• During the Middle Ages, people mostly focused on the afterlife, because life was miserable for many. However, during the Renaissance, many people began to discovery enjoyment in worldly things (of this earth). People began to focus on this world, instead of the afterlife (heaven), because some people had the money and free time to enjoy themselves. People began to rediscover the writings and arts of Ancient Rome and Greece, which stressed the power of HUMAN reason, INSTEAD of the glory of God. Human reason was promoted through education, which focused on the study of history, poetry, and philosophy. This new worldview, or belief was called HUMANISM.

• Source: Prentice Hall World Connections

4B. Effects of the Renaissance• The new worldview of HUMANISM, was reflected in

Renaissance art. Renaissance art was more realistic and used shadowing and perspective to make the art look more real. Renaissance architecture (buildings) was influenced by classic Roman and Greek architecture, instead of Medieval architecture (gothic). Some classic (Roman and Greek) architectural characteristics were the use of archways, domes and columns. Some famous artists that grew out of the Renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

• Source: Prentice Hall World Connections

Medieval Art Depicting Christian Figures (Mary and Jesus)

Renaissance Art Depicting Christian Figures (Mary and Jesus)

Artist: Raphael

Artist: da Vinci

Artist: Michelangelo

Medieval Architecture Renaissance Architecture