Bellwork: January
th
30
Review
1. What time period is represented by the question mark?
2. Why is this time period represented this way?
Review: Which word?
Humanism – the system of thought
that centers on humans, their
behavior, achievements, and worth
Renaissance
Painting
Middle Ages
Painting
Review: Which word?
Not related to…
Perspective –
A way of painting that shows people and things as
they appear at different distances
Secular –
worldly; not relating to religion
The purpose of today:
• The purpose of today is to explain why
the Renaissance began in one specific
place…..
• Italy.
• An entire movement that impacted all
of Europe began in Italy for three main
reasons. We will examine these
reasons today by reading and a play.
1. Italy’s populated city-states
2. Italy’s location in Mediterranean Sea
3. Italy’s rich history
The Play: Script
• Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy??? A play.
• (Sad music playing softly) actors walk sadly and slowly around the
room. Narrator speaks over the music.
• Narrator: The Black Death has devastated much of Italy. It affected many
parts of Europe, but Italy experienced the worst of the Black Death. The
crowded port cities if Italy lost up to 50% or even more of their citizens to
this awful disease. The ships that carried cargo from the East brought
more to Italy that just goods. The rats aboard the ship carried fleas that
were infected with bubonic plague. The crowded conditions of the cities
caused a high number of people to get sick quickly. The years of 1349-1351
were the worst that anyone could experience. Homes were completely
empty as entire families were killed. In the rural areas, small herds of
cattle were seen wondering because there was no one to care for
them. The Black Death affected people from all walks of life.
The Play: Script
• Narrator 2: (music changes to uplifting tune) However, when it was
clear that the Black Death was over, people’s hope was renewed. The
economy would get better as more food was available, better jobs
and higher wages were also available. The future for these survivors
was very bright. Trade would be renewed. The strong economy of
Europe will usher in a new era: an era of rebirth. Education will
flourish. Books will be printed and learning will abound. Art and
culture will thrive once again. Europe will change forever during this
time. The Renaissance will start in the exact same place as the once
great and mighty Roman Empire: Italy
The Play: Script
• Narrator 3: Our story begins in Italy after the Black Death is over.
• Anthony: Ya know Joe, I’ve never been busier in my life. Customers are
stopping me on the street asking me when I can get their shoes made. I’m
swamped! I’ve raised my prices three times and people are still knocking
down my doors. Don’t get me wrong, I mean, I’m not complaining. I’ve
never made so much money in my life. Being this busy is just new to me,
ya know? (Sings a tune) Money, Money, Money!!.......Money!!
• Joe: I know what you mean Anthony. Just last week, I did more business
and earned more money than I did for three months before this awful
Black Death struck. If this keeps up, I’m going to be able to buy myself
more of those fancy things from the East. Check this out! (grabs a silk tie)
I can’t wait to wear more of this stuff. It’s like wearing a cloud!!
The Play: Script
• Anthony: I’ve heard about some of that stuff. I never paid attention when
people were talking about it before because I knew there was no way that I
could afford that stuff. Those things are made way out in a place
called….uh…Chi….na?....Yeah; China something…I think they are made in
China. But now that I’m earning real money, I might look into buying me
some of those things.
• Joe: They call this stuff silk. It’s only made in China. The people that make it
are sworn to secrecy. They will never tell how its made. You can only get it
from China. I hear that there are also fancy jewel and really fine tasting
spices.
• Anthony: Have you tasted some of those spices? Wow, it was amazing. I
never dreamed that plain fish could taste so good. I’ve had bland fish for
years…but with just a pinch of some of those spices on it, made it amazing. I
know it costs a lot, but boy is it worth it!
The Play: Script
• Joe: How would we go about getting some of that stuff anyway?
• Anthony: It’s easy! I’ve got a buddy named Lorenzero. He’s a merchant. He’s
always traveling to the Black Sea and back with those Chinese and Indian goods.
He’s around that stuff all the time. He is rolling in the money (pretends to “roll” in
money). He has been traveling to the East a ton here lately. More and more
people are wanting all of those fancy Chinese goods, ya know? Even dishes that
are made of something called porcelain; more fancy clothes. He is making bank
now! He’s got so much money, he’s even….(laughs a little to self), he’s even
paying people to paint pictures of himself and make statues of people. You
should see his business! There’s paintings all over the wall!
• Joe: Let’s go find Lorenzo! He can hook us up with some of those fancy goods!
We’ve got money now and only one life to live! Let’s live it up Anthony! What’s
the use of having money if don’t spend it on yourself enjoying this life! Bring on
the luxury!!
• Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?
• Three reasons: City-states, location, and ancient Rome.
• City States
• Urban areas enhance the spread of ideas
• Black Death spread quickly through cities and decimated population (up to 60%)
• After Black Death, economy improved
• Better jobs and higher wages
• More money, means more purchases of expensive trade goods from the East (silk, spices,
etc..)
• Italy’s location
• Location in the Mediterranean Sea causes Italians to control trade with the East
• Thanks to the Black Death and Marco Polo’s book, trade increased; making
merchants wealthy
• Wealthy merchants paid artists to decorate their cities (rebirth of art!!)
• Looking back to ancient Rome
• Artists inspired by ancient Roman statues and works of art
• Philosophers inspired by ancient Greek and Roman literature and philosophers
desire for education (example: Socrates quote is: “There is only one good,
knowledge; and one evil, ignorance.”)