The Renaissance

Renaissance and its importance

The renaissance was an event of considerable importance in the history of Europe. Renaissance means revival and coming back to consciousness. In fact, it was the period in Europe, especially in Italy, in the 14th to 16th century when there was a great revival of interest in art, science and technology.

Renaissance was an important period in the history. Development was made in the field of art, sculpture, science, literature, etc. This period had brought drastic changes in the human civilization. The superstitions were being replaced by true scientific facts and people started the search for knowledge.

Science

• Nicolas Copernicus found that the earth moves around the sun.
• Italian scientist Galileo invented the telescope.
• English Scientist Newton discovered the power of gravitation.
• Europeans learned algebra and number from the Arabs and Arithmetic and Geometry from the Greeks.
• Gregory issued the scientific calendar.
• Besides, drastic changes were made in the field of Physics, Chemistry and medicine.

Art

• A masterpiece like Mona Lisa was made by Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo was an artist, poet, engineer, scientist and a singer.
• Leonardo Da Vinci laid the foundation of modern art.
• Michelangelo made arts that looked alive.

Literature

• Alighieri Dante (1265-1321) wrote books like Divine Comedy, Lavita Nova, Convivo, etc. His books contained moral degradation of the pope, bishop, administrator and feudal.
• Great literary persons like Edmund Spencer, William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, John Milton, Geoffrey Chaucer, etc. were born during this period and they wrote several books in their own languages.

Architecture

• Greek and Roman styled buildings were made.
• St. Peter's Church in Rome, St. Mark's Church in Venice and St. Paul's Church in London are some of the examples of artistic design.
• Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, etc. were great sculptors.

Geographical Discoveries

• The Portuguese navigators found the Canary Islands, Madeira and Azure Islands.
• Vasco da Gama reached India, Bartholomew discovered Cape of Good Hope.
• Christopher Columbus of Italy discovered North America
• John Cabot found Newfoundland.

Hence, the Renaissance was an important period when the Europeans became free of the bondage of religion and it paved the way for a modern world.