Renaissance

    The Renaissance started in Europe in the 14th century. It first began in Italy. During the Renaissance, many great changes took place, such as art, science, medicine, literature and architesture.

    In the 15th century, many people believed themselves to be living in a age. The term "Renaissance" already coined by the 16th century, describes the "rebirth" from the dark ages of intelledtual decline that followed the brilliance of ancient civilization. In Italy, especially, the Renaissance was spurred by a revival of Greek and Roman learning. Works by classical authors, lost to the West for centuries, were rediscovered, and with them  a new humanistic outlook that placed man and human achievement at the centre of all things.

    Why did the Renaissance take place? There are three causes:

a) the decline of feudalism
    Some nobles went on the Crusades, and many serfs left the manors. They lived as freemen in towns. The Emperors, even in the most favourable case, were no longer received and respected as feudal lords. However, as possible leaders and supporters of powers were already in existence. The people living in towns could be educated. They had more ideas about art and learning and looked at things in a new way.

b) the decline of Church influence
    In the earth Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was stated at Italy. In the early 14th century, France controlled the Chruch. The Church was moved from Rome(in Italy) to Avignon(in France). Later, another Pope was elected in France. So there were two Popes in Europe and both want to be the leader. The quarrel lasted for about 40 years. As a result, people's support for the Catholic Church and Church influence reduced. People began to be interseted not just in religion, but also about the world.

c) the invention of the movable type printing press
    In 1452, Gutenberg conceives of the ideas for the movable type printing press. Soon books were printed by it. They could be done more faster and sold in a cheaper price. People could afford it and ideas and learning could spread more easily.

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