The Renaissance

Francesco Petratca is named the poet laureate of Rome. He was known as the "Father of Humanism". His philosophy of humanism ignited the beginning of the Renaissance.
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One of the most damaging pandemics in history, thought to be spread by rats infested with fleas. It resulted in the deaths of more than 20 million people.
As horrible as this event was, there were some benefits. The development of biology and science grew immensely.
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This architecture was designed by Fillipo Brunelleschi. He came up with many great ideas for building things, these ideas influenced many other architectures. His ideas and designs for places were very significant during this period because the demand for reconstruction was high.
-Brunelleschi also created linear perspective, which makes a drawing look realistic.
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The Papacy, who resided in Avignon for over a century, finally returns to Rome. With him he brings status and money that is needed for the rebuilding of the city.
http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/images/Europe/Romans/Popes_GregoryXI_01_full.jpg

He rose to political power at the age of 45. Some say that the Renaissance may have not continued without his influence. He enabled support with finance upon uprising artists, humanists, writers, and architects.
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Johannes Gutenburg invented the printing press. This allowed the production of newspapers and books to become easier and faster.
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Christopher Columbus discovered America, this led to more trade. (Which means more money for Italy)
However, the discovery of America also led to more explorations being made and knowledge of other cultures and people.
http://www.famous-explorers.com/images/famousexplorers/picture-of-christopher-columbus-small.jpg

Leonardo da Vinci paints the Mona Lisa. This is a very important occurrence during this time. The painting made a huge impact on the way art was perceived. More artists began to paint portraits of people. This gave way to the idea of humanism.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg/1200px-Mona_Lisa%2C_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci%2C_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg

Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis document to the door of a Catholic Church in response to his frustration with the practices of the church. The 95 Thesis proposed debate of the selling of Indulgences.
This was the event that sparked the Protestant Reformation.

https://souldevice.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/95theses.jpg