Earlier Chapter History Midterm Flashcards
Renaissance
A cultural and intellectual movement beginning in Italy in the 14th century, lasting through the 17th century. It emphasized a return to classical antiquity (Greco-Roman ideals), humanism, secularism, and individualism. Key artistic advances included linear perspective, naturalism, and anatomical accuracy. Major cities included Florence, Venice, and Rome. Wealthy patrons like the Medici family played a major role in funding artists and scholars.
Humanism
An intellectual movement at the heart of the Renaissance that focused on education and the classics. Humanists studied grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy (the studia humanitatis). They believed in the potential of human beings to reason and improve themselves.
Medici Family
Powerful banking family who ruled Florence during the Renaissance. Cosimo de’ Medici and his grandson Lorenzo de’ Medici (“Lorenzo the Magnificent”) were major patrons of the arts and learning. Their financial support helped artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo flourish.
Filippo Brunelleschi
Florentine architect who designed the dome of the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo), a key engineering feat. He revived classical architecture and used linear perspective, influencing Renaissance architecture.
Donatello
Early Renaissance sculptor known for works like his bronze statue of David. He combined classical influence with lifelike detail and emotion.
Sandro Botticelli
Florentine painter sponsored by the Medici. Famous for mythological works like The Birth of Venus and Primavera. His work emphasized beauty, classical mythology, and grace.
Jan van Eyck
Flemish painter and a founder of the Early Netherlandish painting school. Mastered oil painting and naturalistic detail. Notable work: The Arnolfini Portrait
Reconquista
A centuries-long campaign by Christian states to recapture territory from Muslims (Moors) on the Iberian Peninsula. Concluded in 1492 with the fall of Granada. It solidified Christian rule in Spain and led to increased religious intolerance.
Ferdinand of Aragon
King of Aragon who married Isabella of Castile, uniting Spain. Together, they completed the Reconquista, expelled Jews and Muslims, and supported Columbus’s voyage.
Isabella of Castile
Queen of Castile and wife of Ferdinand. Key figure in the unification of Spain, sponsor of Columbus, and a staunch Catholic who endorsed the Inquisition.
Conversos
Jews in Spain who converted to Christianity during the Reconquista, often under pressure. Suspected of secretly practicing Judaism, they were targeted by the Inquisition.
Spanish Inquisition
A church court established in 1478 by Ferdinand and Isabella to root out heresy. Targeted conversos and other non-Catholics. It became infamous for its severity and use of torture.
Pope Sixtus IV
Pope from 1471–1484. Known for building the Sistine Chapel and strengthening the Inquisition. Involved in the Pazzi Conspiracy indirectly through his nephew.
Pazzi Conspiracy
A plot in 1478 to overthrow the Medici family, backed by Pope Sixtus IV and carried out by the Pazzi family. Lorenzo de’ Medici survived; his brother Giuliano was killed. The aftermath increased Lorenzo’s power in Florence.
Girolamo Riario
Nephew of Pope Sixtus IV and co-conspirator in the Pazzi Conspiracy. Rewarded with lands and titles; his actions tied the papacy to political violence.
Bloody Sunday (1478)
Refers to the failed Pazzi Conspiracy on April 26, 1478, during which Giuliano de’ Medici was assassinated during Easter mass. Lorenzo escaped. Public reaction was violent, with conspirators lynched in Florence.
Albrecht Dürer
German artist and printmaker of the Northern Renaissance. Known for his woodcuts, engravings, and self-portraits. Merged northern detail with Italian perspective and anatomy.
The Holy League
An alliance formed by the Pope, Venice, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire to oppose French expansion in Italy during the Italian Wars. Represented the political entanglements of the papacy.
Pope Julius II
The “Warrior Pope” (r. 1503–1513), known for his military campaigns to protect the Papal States. Patron of Michelangelo and Raphael; commissioned the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Alexander VI
Rodrigo Borgia, notorious for corruption, nepotism, and political manipulation. Fathered several children and advanced his family’s interests. Symbol of papal corruption that helped inspire the Reformation.
