Renaissance
European cultural period of the 14th to 17th centuries
What was Renaissance?
The Renaissance was a European period of history and cultural movement taking place at the end of the Late Middle Ages and the beginning of the early modern era. It is variously defined as lasting from the 14th century to the 17th or, more narrowly, as covering only the 15th and 16th centuries. It was characterized by the European rediscovery and revival of the literary, philosophical, and artistic achievements of classical antiquity. Associated with great change in art, architecture, politics, literature, exploration and technology, the Renaissance was first centered in the Republic of Florence, then spread to the rest of Italy and later throughout Europe.
Renaissance is tied to April 18, 1334. Key people connected to the event include Giotto, Giovanni Villani.
Why Renaissance still matters
This article provides a unique perspective on the construction of Giotto's Campanile, highlighting the complex and often fraught nature of human creativity and innovation, and the enduring importance of understanding the past in order to navigate the present, as we see in the current global power struggles, which resonate with the complex web of alliances and rivalries that existed in 14th-century Italy, and it is this that makes the Campanile such an important part of our cultural heritage, as it reminds us of the power of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Giotto's Campanile — April 18, 1334 connects Renaissance to a specific historical date. The related article explains the event, the people involved, and why the moment is still remembered.