If the Renaissance was a rebirth in the sense of artists, poets, mathematicians, scientists and philosophers rediscovering the wisdom and ideals of the Ancient Romans and Greeks, it is also represents a rebirth for mankind.
It is when we, as a species, emerged from the Dark Ages into a more enlightened modern era. It represents a dramatic flowering of culture and civilisation – and its effects continue to resonate today.
The Renaissance began in the Italian city of Florence. The patronage of the ruling Medici family, a sudden influx of Greek scholars after the fall of Constantinople (now Istanbul) and a rise in wealth and social mobility after the ravages of the Black Death all contributed to a desire to rediscover the knowledge and attitudes of Classical civilisations.
The movement quickly spread across Europe – notably to England, where Henry VIII was an enthusiastic proponent of the new cultural ideas – and produced Shakespeare, perhaps the greatest ever poet and dramatist. . » | Tuesday, October 6, 2015
