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Period: 1304 to 1374
Francesco Petrarch
As the first humanist, Francesco Petrarch was an important transitionary link between the Medieval Ages and the Renaissance because he began to question monasticism, the church's opinion of women and Medieval philosophy. -
Period: 1350 to 1550
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a rebirth of classical ideals and new learning which transformed Europe, giving rise to capitalism, individualism, secularism and many famous works of art and architecture. -
1378
Revolt of the Ciompi
When the ciompi rebelled against the Italian aristocracy, the Medici family supported them, becoming popular with the commoners, establishing them as one of the dominant families governing Florence and beginning a period of artistic patronage in Florence. -
1414
Portuguese Capture Muslim Port of Ceuta
Beginning the period of European exploration and colonization and opening up trade along the Southern Atlantic, the Portuguese captured a Muslim port, Ceuta, on the African side of Gibraltar to resecure Mediterranean trade which had been cut off by the Ottoman Empire. -
1434
Completion of the Dome for the Duomo
As a burgeoning architect, Filippo Bruneschelli designed and implemented an innovative method to construct the dome over the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, creating a building that combined older Medieval design with new Renaissance techniques and styles. -
1440
Invention of the Printing Press
The printing press, created by Johannes Gutenberg, was revolutionary, increasing the spread of humanist ideals to Northern Europe in an affordable and portable manner. -
Period: 1452 to 1519
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci, the creator of the Mona Lisa and a leading artist during the Renaissance, represented the ideal, well-rounded man and his influence earned respect for artists and architects who were seen as menial workers. -
1453
Ottomans Restrict the Spice Trade
The restrictions and duties that the Ottomans placed on overland trade, which halted European trade with Asia, was one of the main factors in European exploration and the subsequent globalization of the world. -
1454
Creation of the Italic League
The Italic League was formed after the Peace of Lodi, a treaty between the Italian city-states that promoted peace, was agreed upon, bringing stability to the region and contributing to the success of the Renaissance. -
Period: 1466 to 1536
Desiderius Erasmus
Known as one of the great minds of the Reformation, Desiderius Erasmus was a monk, humanist and journalist who argued for church reform and a return to sincere faith and who's work influenced Martin Luther, a leader in the Reformation. -
Period: 1475 to 1564
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Michelangelo was a poet, sculptor and artist who was known for his ability to marry Christian themes with classic style, gaining him his title as the leading artist of the Renaissance. -
Period: 1480 to
The Arrival of the Modern Age
Following the Renaissance, the Modern Age was a period of globalization, acculturation and social and economical change that occurred worldwide, developing the global village that is prominent today. -
1485
King Henry VII Ascends the English Throne
After his victory in the War of the Roses and succession to the English throne, Henry VII established a strong central government that paved the way for the success of his son King Henry VIII and the English Renaissance. -
Period: 1487 to
European Exploration of the World
The period in which the Europeans began to explore significantly impacted history by altering every culture they came into contact with and spreading European ideas internationally -
1492
Christopher Columbus' Exploration
Sponsored by the Spanish monarchy, Christopher Columbus searched for another route to Asia; however, he discovered the Caribbean Islands on his voyage, sparking the Spanish's exploration and colonization of South America. -
1493
Columbus Initiates the Grand Exchange
Columbus' voyage to America with fruit, livestock and seeds resulted in a significant change in the world's diet because people began transporting foods from one continent to another, broadening the variety available to people and incorporating non-native foods into their diets. -
1512
Painting the Sistine Chapel
Painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was undertaken by Michelangelo, a talented Renaissance artist and sculptor, who transformed it into biblical figures and scenes that are still admired. -
1513
Records of the Conquest of Cuba are Written
Bartolome de Las Casas, a Spanish historian who witnessed the Conquest of Cuba, was one of the first people to record the atrocities committed by European colonizers towards the native populations, acts of cruelty that would continue for centuries. -
1518
First Ship of African Captives Arrives in the Caribbean
The African slave trade grew rapidly and greatly impacted African culture after the first ship of African captives was transported to the Caribbean by the Portuguese, whose participation was quickly mimicked by the Dutch, French and English. -
1522
Magellan Discovers First Western Route to Asia
Ferdinand Magellan reestablished trade between Asia and Europe when he located the first sea passage to Asia, a major event as all on land trade routes had been cut off by the Turks in the Ottoman Empire.
