Renaissance Background Worksheet for students to learn about the Renaissance period, including its dates, location, social structure, history, influences, characteristics, and vocabulary.

- What does it mean to be a Renaissance man?
A Renaissance man is an individual who excels in multiple fields of study or endeavor, embodying the Renaissance ideal of a well-rounded person with knowledge and skills in arts, sciences, and humanities.

- Background:
- Dates: Approximately 14th to 17th century (c. 1300–1600)
- Location: Originated in Italy, spread throughout Europe
- Social Structure: Hierarchical; dominated by nobility and clergy, but rising merchant class and urban bourgeoisie gained influence
- History & Arts/Literature: Revival of classical learning and values; flourishing of art, architecture, literature, and science; key figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, and Machiavelli
- Influences: Rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts; invention of the printing press; patronage by wealthy families (e.g., Medici); exploration and trade expansion
- Characteristics: Humanism, curiosity, secularism, individualism, emphasis on reason and empirical observation, artistic realism and perspective

- Vocabulary:
- Word Painting → musical representation of specific poetic images
- Polyphony → two or more melodic lines, equal at the same time
- Humanism → dominant intellectual movement, focus on human life
- A capella → choral music without instrumental accompaniment