Humanism
- Emphasized the importance of human reason, experience, and individual potential.
- Broke away from the medieval focus on religious authority and dogma.
- Celebrated the human body, mind, and achievements.
Classical Revival
- Drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman texts, art, and architecture.
- Revived classical forms, styles, and themes.
- Studied classical philosophy, literature, and mythology.
Secularism
- Shifted the focus from religion to worldly concerns.
- Promoted the study of science, art, and literature for their own sake.
- Led to a decline in religious dominance.
Artistic Innovation
- Developed new techniques in painting, sculpture, and architecture.
- Used perspective, realism, and naturalism to create more lifelike representations.
- Introduced the use of oil paints, allowing for richer colors and textures.
Exploration and Discovery
- Sponsored expeditions to distant lands, leading to the discovery of new continents and cultures.
- Advanced cartography and navigation techniques.
- Increased knowledge of geography, astronomy, and the natural world.
Scientific Revolution
- Questioned traditional scientific beliefs and sought empirical evidence.
- Developed new theories and inventions, such as heliocentrism and the printing press.
- Laid the foundation for modern science.
Urbanization and Patronage
- Growth of cities and wealthy merchant class.
- Patrons commissioned artists, architects, and scholars.
- Led to the emergence of major cultural centers, such as Florence, Rome, and Venice.
Reformation
- Religious movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
- Martin Luther and John Calvin promoted individual salvation through faith alone.
- Led to religious strife and political division.
Education and Literacy
- Established universities and schools to promote classical education.
- Increased literacy rates and access to knowledge.
- Emphasized critical thinking and the study of the humanities.