The Renaissance

Question 1

What does renaissance mean?

Answer 1

Rebirth, a period of cultural flourishing

Question 2

What is a republic?

Answer 2

A state where the ruler is not a monarch but selected from amongst the people

Question 3

What does classical relate to?

Answer 3

Relating to the art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Question 4

What was the Renaissance period?

Answer 4

It was a period that was about coming out of the dark ages of the medieval period, which was filled with superstition and a reliance on religion and coming into a more modern world. There was a flourishing of the arts and sciences and a renewed interest in the classicalcivilizations of Greece and Rome. The Renaissance lasted about a hundred years, beginning in the early 15th century and was centred almost entirely on Italy before spreading out into the rest of Europe.

Question 5

What three ‘new developments’ happened during the Renaissance?

Answer 5

Great inventions

New ideas

Exploration & discovery

Question 6

Name three Renaissance artists.

Answer 6

Leonardo Da Vinci
Botticelli
Michelangelo
Raphael

Question 7

Where was the Renaissance said to have begun?

Answer 7

The Italian City-State of Florence.

Question 8

Where did the inspiration for some of the Renaissance developments in maths and astronomy come from?

Answer 8

The Arab world.

Question 9

Which event was partly responsible for delaying the emergence of the Renaissance?

Answer 9

The Black Death.

Question 10

What event led to the Renaissance?

Answer 10

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 caused Christians to flee to Italy in large numbers.

Question 11

What did Johannes Gutenberg invent?

Answer 11

In approximately 1440, a German named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. By 1500, the printing presses of Europe had printed nearly 6 million books.

Question 12

What did Copernicus discover?

Answer 12

Ideas and beliefs about the universe were changing. An astronomer called Nicolaus Copernicus challenged the popular belief that the earth was at the centre of the universe. He thought the sun was at the centre and all other planets revolved around it.

Question 13

What did Fillipo Bruneschelli discover?

Answer 13

Renaissance architecture spread from Florence and replaced the medieval gothic style of architecture. Key features of Renaissance buildings included columns,domes and round arches. Fillipo Bruneschelli pioneered the use of perspective in architecture.

Question 14

What did William Harvey discover?

Answer 14

The Renaissance was a period of ground-breaking developments in medicine. Experimentation by doctors led to new ideas and a better understanding of how the body worked. William Harvey identified that blood pumped around the body.

Question 15

What did Galileo discover?

Answer 15

In 1609 Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, invented the first telescope, which as used to make objects that were far away seem much closer. The technology inspired modern cameras and binoculars.

Question 16

What did Christopher Columbus discover?

Answer 16

In 1492, an Italian sailor name Christopher Columbus sailed for India and discovered a new continent on the way. It would later become known as the Americas (North America, South America and the West Indies).

Question 17

How was Humanism developed?

Answer 17

There was a new belief called Humanism developed in the 14th century. Rather than focusing on religion, the movement focused on the power of human potential and their ability to change the world in which they lived.

Question 18

How did music develop during the Renaissance period?

Answer 18

Music became an essential part of religious, civic and courtly life during the Renaissance. There were new styles of composing, new genres (types) and new musical instruments such as the lute (like the modern-day guitar).

Question 19

What food was discovered during the Renaissance?

Answer 19

Europeans were introduced to new goods upon discovery of the ‘New World’ (the Americas) including spices, precious metals, corn, tomatoes, chocolate and tobacco.

Question 20

How did gunpowder affect the way battles were fought?

Answer 20

Gunpowder, which came from China, reached Europe in the 14th century, transforming the way battles were fought compared to the medieval period. It left castles from the medieval period completely defenceless.

Question 21

What is a city-state?

Answer 21

When a single city governs itself.