The Italian
Renaissance
Guided Notes

The word Renaissance means “rebirth”

The “rebirth” that occurred during this
time period was of ancient Greek and
Roman worlds.

The Italian Renaissance, which spread to
the rest of Europe, occurred between
1350-1550
The Renaissance begins…
Urban Society

Italy was largely an urban society.


The powerful city-states of the Middle Ages
became political, economic and social centers.
A secular (worldly) viewpoint developed in this
urban society as increasing wealth created new
opportunities for material enjoyment.
Urban Society Continued…
Recovering from the Middle
Ages

The Renaissance was also an age when
the power of the Church declined and
society recovered from the plagues and
instability of the Middle Ages.
Part of this recovery was a “rebirth” of
interest in the ancient Greek and Roman
cultures.

A New View of Humans
A new view of human beings emerged in the
Renaissance.

It emphasized individual ability and worth.

A well rounded, universal person was capable
of achievements in many areas of life.

Leonardo da Vinci – painter, sculptor,
architect, inventor, and mathematician
Who changed first?

The upper classes were more affected by and
embraced the ideas of the Italian Renaissance
than the lower classes.

Though the intellectual and artistic
achievements were hard to ignore.

Churches, wealthy homes, and public buildings
displayed art that celebrated the human body,
religious and secular themes.