Europe in Transition: The Renaissance and Age of Exploration (c. 1450 – 1648)

Renaissance

A gradual transition from the Middle Ages marked by a revival of classical learning from Greece and Rome.

Humanism

The intellectual movement of the Renaissance that focused on human potential and achievements.

Classicism (Ad Fontes)

The return to original Greek and Latin texts for study.

Secularism

An emphasis on worldly affairs and present life rather than just the afterlife.

Individualism

The belief in celebrating individual potential and genius.

Petrarch

Known as the 'Father of Humanism,' he characterized the Middle Ages as the 'Dark Ages'.

Pico della Mirandola

Wrote 'Oration on the Dignity of Man,' arguing for human potential and free will.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Authored 'The Prince,' advocating for pragmatic political strategies.

Baldassare Castiglione

Wrote 'The Courtier,' defining the ideal Renaissance Man.

Geometric Perspective

An artistic technique used to create a three-dimensional illusion on a two-dimensional surface.

Chiaroscuro

Artistic technique using contrast between light and dark to create depth.

Naturalism/Realism

An artistic style focusing on anatomical accuracy and lifelike representation.

Leonardo da Vinci

Artist known for masterpieces like the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'.

Michelangelo

Renaissance artist famous for sculptures like 'David' and the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

Raphael

Known for 'School of Athens,' epitomizing High Renaissance harmonies.

Christian Humanism

A movement blending classical learning with a goal of reforming the Catholic Church.

Desiderius Erasmus

The 'Prince of Humanists,' known for his satirical work 'In Praise of Folly'.

Thomas More

English humanist who authored 'Utopia,' envisioning an ideal society.

Minute Detail

Northern Renaissance art characterized by intense realism in everyday objects.

Domestic Interiors

Focus of Northern Renaissance art on scenes of daily life.

Oil Painting

A technique pioneered by Jan van Eyck for vibrant color in art.

Johannes Gutenberg

Inventor of the printing press, which revolutionized book production.

Price Revolution

A period of high inflation due to an influx of precious metals and population growth.

Mercantilism

Economic theory asserting a nation's power depends on its wealth through trade.

Joint-Stock Companies

Investor-created businesses that pooled resources for long-distance trade.

The Columbian Exchange

The biological transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Old and New Worlds.

Triangular Trade

An economic system involving the exchange of goods, slavery, and raw materials.

Asiento System

A license issued by the Spanish crown for importing slaves.

Reconquista

The completion of the expulsion of Muslims from Spain in 1492.

Concordat of Bologna

Agreement that gave the French King control over bishops.

The Medici

A wealthy banking family known for their patronage of the arts in Florence.

sfumato

An artistic technique involving soft transitions between colors.

Neoplatonic Ideal

A philosophy emphasizing the beauty and perfection of the human form in art.

Gallican Church

The French church's authority under the French King post-Concordat of Bologna.

Ferdinand Magellan

Explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire.

Francisco Pizarro

Spanish explorer who conquered the Inca Empire.

Treaty of Tordesillas

A 1494 agreement dividing newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

The Age of Exploration

An era characterized by European voyages motivated by the pursuit of wealth and territory.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used for navigation to determine latitude.

Caravel

A versatile ship design used during the Age of Exploration.

Triangular Trade

Trade route involving the exchange of goods and slaves between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Population Boom

Rapid increase in population in Europe due to high-calorie foods from the Americas.

Demographic Collapse

Dramatic population decline in the Americas due to introduced diseases from Europe.