What was going on in the Renaissance?

The Renaissance was a period in history that witnessed a cultural and intellectual revival in classical learning, particularly devoted to the study of Greek and Roman principles. The arts and literature flourished, major scientific discoveries came to light, and new territories were explored and conquered during this significant era. read more

The Renaissance in Northern Europe has been termed the "Northern Renaissance". While Renaissance ideas were moving north from Italy, there was a simultaneous southward spread of some areas of innovation, particularly in music. read more

The Renaissance as a unified historical period ended with the fall of Rome in 1527. The strains between Christian faith and Classical humanism led to Mannerism in the latter part of the 16th century. Great works of art animated by the Renaissance spirit, however, continued to be made in northern Italy and in northern Europe. read more