Renaissance, The

From the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries the Renaissance marked a rebirth of interest in classical Greek literature and art and promoted an ideal of humanism. Although the Renaissance produced among certain elites a religious indifference that began to undermine ecclesiastical authority, soon even the popes became enamored with Renaissance ideas. Nicholas V, for instance, was trained in humanism and carried its ideas into the Vatican. He tried to beautify religion with art and he collected the books that became the foundation for the Vatican Library. Old buildings were restored, and architectural marvels were erected. Art blossomed with amazing opulence and musical achievements soared. The Renaissance took on a more religious character in France, Germany, and England where scholars turned the new world of the classical languages and documents into a better understanding of the Bible. The invention of printing by movable type was an important means of diffusing Renaissance ideas.

Impact: The Renaissance transformed the way scholars, artists, and philosophers viewed the world. It had no immediate impact on the common people, however.