HIS 5. Achievements in medicine, science, mathematics and geography by the Islamic civilization dominated most of the Mediterranean after the decline of the Roman Empire. These achievements were introduced into Western Europe as a result of the Muslim conquests, Crusades and trade, influencing the European Renaissance.
GEO 14. Trade routes connecting Africa, Europe and Asia fostered the spread of technology and major world religions. |
Learning Targets:
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Renaissance - Notes Activities 1 and 2
Notes Activity 1 - What was the Renaissance?
Click on the link to read a passage about the beginning of the Renaissance.
Use the passage to answer the questions you have been given about the Renaissance.
Notes Activity 2 - Causes of the Renaissance
Use the information below to briefly explain or "sum up" each cause of the Renaissance on your notes. When you finish, check your knowledge and notes through the Socrative Quiz.
1. Crusades:
Crusaders brought new thoughts and beliefs, which replaced the old thoughts, beliefs and institutions. The Crusades took place from 1095 and 1291. As a result, the Europeans came in contact with the people of East. In East, the Arabs and Muslim civilization were in the middle of their Golden Age. The Crusades had also encouraged ship voyages and geographical studies. European minds expanded when they were exposed to other people and new ideas. They came back to Europe with scientific books of Aristotle, Arabic numerals, a mariners (ship) compass, and even a new type of paper. |
2. Rise of Mongol Empire:
The rise of the Mongolian Empire had a strong impact on the movement of Renaissance. The Mongols were responsible for reopening Silk Road trade routes that allowed the East (Asia) and the West (Europe) to interact.
3. Emergence of New Cities & Middle Class:
As Feudalism declined, new European cities like Milan, Venice, Florence, Lisbon, Amsterdam, etc. flourished. These cities had risen with the efforts of the middle class which was open to new thoughts. They were the people who promoted the cause of Renaissance. It was this middle class who now had extra money and free time to spend enjoying new knowledge, books and art. They created a demand for the Renaissance. |
4. The Takeover of Constantinople by the Turks:
In 1453, the Ottoman Turkish Empire occupied Constantinople, the capital of Byzantine Empire. Constantinople was great center of knowledge, philosophy and art. Thousand of Greek scholars, philosophers and artists of this city were forced to migrate to other countries like Italy, France, Germany and England. They took with them the knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome and a new way of thinking.
In 1453, the Ottoman Turkish Empire occupied Constantinople, the capital of Byzantine Empire. Constantinople was great center of knowledge, philosophy and art. Thousand of Greek scholars, philosophers and artists of this city were forced to migrate to other countries like Italy, France, Germany and England. They took with them the knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome and a new way of thinking.
5. Paper and Printing Press:
Europeans learned the technique of printing from the Arabs. Around 1455, John Gutenburg invented a machine that used movable type to print pages. The printing press brought revolutionary changes in the growth of knowledge in Europe. Books were now made available in large quantities at very low prices. Therefore, knowledge did not belong just to the wealthy anymore. Everyone could afford books. |