FREE ESSAY ON RENNASANCE OVERVIEW

RENNASANCE OVERVIEW

Renaissance
Renaissance was more than just a time period, it was a state of mind. No longer did the
world think in turns of conquering, power, and the catholic church. It was a time of
change politically, socially, economically, and culturally. The arts were explored, and
the minds of many were expanded. The boundaries of mankind have been stretched and it was
for the good. The ways of Middle Ages were replaced. The medieval scholars debated the
nature of life after death. Renaissance thinkers wanted to know about now.
The Renaissance began in Italy in the mid 1300's. There are many reasons for this. Italy
was the center of ancient Rome which at this time was thought to be great and there was a
reawakened interest in it. Old artifacts were still plentiful and reminders of the
ancient culture. The northern city-states were centers of trade and at this time becoming
very wealthy. The now wealthy and powerful merchant class also helped the world, starting
with Italy, to explore the arts by giving large amounts of money.
In the 1400's, the Medici family in Florence started a banking business. Then in 1434
Cosimo de' Medici gained control of the Florence government. Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo,
was a politician also. He was a big financial supporter of the arts. Poets and
Philosophers visited his palace often as did many artists like Michelangelo who painted
ancient Roman sculptures in his garden.
The most famous artists of the time were the NINGA TURTLES! Not really but they had the
same names like the famous Leonardo, who even dissected people to get a better
perspective on how to draw. He was not only an artist, but also he made sketches for
planes and submarines! I bet no one at this time even thought that flying was possible.
Some say this man was inspired by the devil. I think he is a genious. This man's name is
Niccolo Machiavelli, who wrote the book, The Prince. This book was a guide to rulers. It
stressed that the end justifies the means. It says that it is okay to manipulate minds of
men because that is a way to get what you want.