Renaissance and Reformation

The Italian Renaissance begins

Jan 1, 1350

First, Renaissance Italy was an urban society.As they progressed, they became the centers of Italian political, economic, and social life.The Renaissance was an age of recovery from disasters such as the plague, political instability, and decline of church power.

The de' Medici family takes control of Florence

Jan 1, 1434

Cosimo de' Medicini took control of the city. The Medici family controlled the government from behind the scenes.Later Lorenzo de' Medici, his grandson, dominated the city at a time when Florence was the cultural center of Italy.

Christian humanism spreads in northern Europe

Jan 1, 1450

th ehumanism movement took anew direction at the beginning of the 15th century. The humanist movement had a profound affect on education.

Gutenberg prints Bible using movable type

Jan 1, 1455

The Gutenberg Bible is the first substantial book printed in the West with moveable type.

Michelangelo begins painting the Sistine Chapel

Jan 5, 1508

Michelangelo's figures on the celing of the Sistine Chapel in Rome reveal an ideal type of human being with perfect proportions. He was an accomplished painter, sculptor, and architect.

Martin Luther initiates the Protestant Reformation

Dec 5, 1517