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Feb 19, 1450
Johannes Gutenberg invents the mechanical printing press
The invention of the metal movable type allowed Gutenberg to revolutionize the printing industry by creating a more efficient and easy to use printing press. Gutenberg, with his meaningful innovation, was able to mass produce newspapers and books, thus influencing the publishing of great works of literature.
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Feb 20, 1490
Peak of Humanism
The highest point of humanism, it took place between the time of 1490 and 1520. This was the predominant social and literary philosophy during the Renaissance.
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Feb 20, 1498
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper
The Last Supper was a mural by Leonardo da Vinci depicting the scene in which Jesus has a final communion with his disciples. The religious theme goes back to the basic art themes and reflects the Renaissance time period. While the faces of the people portrayed are rather inhuman, the expressions on the faces give this painting the humanity to be considered late-Renaissance work. -CER -
Feb 20, 1500
Rediscovery of Greek and Roman Literature
The Renaissance was a time of revival and rebirth, and that is exactly what happened to Greek and Roman literature. Many poets and authors, including Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth, based their works of literature off these ancient stories. These ancient pieces of literature inspired ideas for new plays, poems and stories.
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Feb 15, 1503
Leonardo DaVinci paints the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is possibly the most recognizable painting in the world, famous for the smile of the subject of the painting. The style of painting was going back to the realism and humanism in art. This and some parts of the painting, such as the hazy lines and front portrait style, is what makes this painting truly unique and Renaissance. -CER -
Feb 20, 1504
Michelangelo's David
Michelangelo sculpted his famous sculpture, David, when Michelangelo was a relatively unknown artist. His work was a testament to the David of biblical fame, and was Renaissance in its relationship to the old art ideas pertaining to religion. The sculpture is also highly realistic and human, placing it well within the Renaissance time frame. -CER David -
Feb 14, 1511
7-string Lute
The 7-string lute was first established in 1511. The lute, while it existed before the Renaissance, was a primary instrument in the music of the time period. The 7-string lute provided more flexibility in the types of music played. -CER
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Feb 20, 1512
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel after completing his masterpiece, David. The Sistine Chapel is within Vatican City, and a meetingplace for the cardinals of the church. The ceiling was comissioned for the chapel and depicts mainly religious scenes that go along with the religious nature of the Renaissance era. -CER -
Feb 19, 1517
Martin Luther posts his ninety-five theses on a church door in Wittenburg
Martin Luther's action of posting his ninety-five theses on a church door began the Protestant Reformation and gave birth to Protestantism. Through his actions, Luther is known as the savior of Christianity because he criticized the Catholic Church for its unorthodoxed sale of indulgences. His bravery for standing up to the Catholic Church has earned him world-class renown.
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Feb 20, 1533
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth the first was highly influential in the Renaissance period in many areas. In literature she encouraged many people like Shakespeare and Marlowe to pursue their theater productions. She was also featured in many plays such as Henry VIII. Even the Queen wrote poems during this time period, influencing many people.
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Feb 19, 1534
King Henry VIII proclaims himself head of church in England
In a time of religious and political corruption, King Henry VIII of England utilized the Supremacy Act to proclaim himself head of the church in England. One of the multiple reforms he introduced was the disbanding of all monasteries, an act which greatly affected religious leaders.
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Feb 20, 1543
Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus publishes his space theory
In his space theory, Copernicus testified that the planets orbit the sun. His theory was known as radicalist during the time. Nearly everyone, including religious leaders, believed that the Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus' bold belief in his own theory, which turned out to be correct, characterizes the Renaissance time period as relying on individualistic humanism.
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Feb 20, 1564
Shakespeare
Shakespeare was doubtfully the most prominent author from the renaissance period. He revolutionized theater and poetry by reflecting ideas humanism. He invented over 1000 new words to the English language many of which still exist today. His writing involved giving characters very dynamic views and personalities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkuUADWW2A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkuUADWW2A sd -
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Shakespeare's first play. sd -
"Venus and Adonis"
Shakespeare's first poem sd -
Hamlet
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