Page 2 - #1811070101CHANGING CULTURAL TRADITIONS

• Aristocratic families dominated the way of life during 14th century medieval
Europe.
• Social, political and economic life of people were deeply affected by Renaissance.
• Renaissance aroused the spirit of equality among the people and attacked on the
superstitions and rituals prevailing in the society.
• Literature of Renaissance period brought about a great change in political thinking
of the people.
• Reformation movement was a protest movement that took place in the 16th
century against the church and the pope.
• Martin Luther wrote Ninety-Five Theses challenging the authority of the church.
• Nation-state received new power and vigour from Reformation.
• The Society of Jesus was founded by Ignatius Loyala in 1540. It made an attempt
to combat Protestantism.

Important terms:

• Renaissance: A French word meaning rebirth.
• Renaissance man: A person with many interests and skills.
• Document of Indulgences: A document issued by the church which guaranteed a
written promise to absolve the holder of all his sins.
• Humanism: A movement which gave priority to present life rather than life
thereafter.

Timeline

The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries

1300 Humanism taught at Padua University in Italy

1341 Petrarch given title of ‘Poet Laureate’ in Rome

1349 University established in Florence