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The Renaissance - The Age of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci (2/2) | DW Documentary

DW Documentary・26 minutes read

The Renaissance era brought about significant advancements in science, art, and exploration, with key figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Nicolaus Copernicus revolutionizing their respective fields. This period also saw the rise of powerful empires, economic shifts, and social innovations, shaping the modern world we know today.

Insights

  • The Renaissance era not only revolutionized art and science but also played a crucial role in reshaping economic practices and geopolitical landscapes, leading to the rise of global empires and significant conflicts in Italy.
  • Prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Nicolaus Copernicus challenged existing worldviews, with da Vinci's multifaceted genius prioritizing scientific research over his renowned art, while Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model that contradicted the church's geocentric beliefs, sparking a revolution in astronomy and thought.

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Recent questions

  • What invention revolutionized timekeeping in the Renaissance?

    The invention that revolutionized timekeeping in the Renaissance was the pocket watch, created by locksmith Peter Henlein in 1510. This portable timepiece became a valuable tool for merchants and seafarers, aiding in navigation and expanding the understanding of planetary motion.

  • Who proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system during the Renaissance?

    Nicolaus Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system during the Renaissance, challenging the church's geocentric worldview. This revolutionary idea placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, changing the way people viewed the cosmos.

  • What significant contribution did Leonardo da Vinci make to the Renaissance era?

    Leonardo da Vinci, a prominent figure in the Renaissance, made significant contributions through his versatile genius in various fields. He created iconic paintings like the Mona Lisa, worked as a military engineer, and prioritized inventions and scientific research over his art, leaving a lasting impact on the era.

  • How did the Renaissance era impact economic practices?

    The Renaissance era saw a shift in economic practices, with the ban on charging interest being circumvented through various means. This led to financial reorientation and the rise of financial capitals like Augsburg, shaping the economic landscape of the time.

  • What motivated Christopher Columbus during his explorations?

    Christopher Columbus was motivated by a mix of factors including adventure, power, wealth, fame, and religious zeal during his explorations. Believing he found a sea route to China, Columbus changed the world and played a significant role in Spain and Portugal becoming Imperial superpowers.

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Summary

00:00

Renaissance: Pocket Watches, Da Vinci, Copernicus

  • The Renaissance marked the advent of portable timepieces, with locksmith Peter Henlein inventing the pocket watch in 1510.
  • The pocket watch became a valuable tool for merchants, aiding in navigation for seafarers like Christopher Columbus.
  • The Renaissance led to a new understanding of the planet, expanding the known world and establishing a global empire.
  • Portable timepieces allowed scholars to study planetary motion accurately, placing the Sun at the center of the solar system.
  • Leonardo da Vinci, a prominent figure in the Renaissance, created the iconic Mona Lisa and was a versatile genius in various fields.
  • Da Vinci's paintings were in high demand, but he prioritized his inventions and scientific research over his art.
  • The Renaissance era saw significant conflicts in Italy, with cities constantly at war, leading to the promotion of art and wealth distribution.
  • Leonardo da Vinci worked as a military engineer for Ludovico Sforza in Milan, creating innovative weapons and designs.
  • The Renaissance era saw a shift in economic practices, with the ban on charging interest being circumvented through various means.
  • Nicolaus Copernicus revolutionized astronomy by proposing a heliocentric model of the solar system, challenging the church's geocentric worldview.

20:59

"Empires, Exploration, and Financial Power in Europe"

  • Columbus believed he found a sea route to China, changing the world and leading Spain and Portugal to become Imperial superpowers.
  • Columbus was driven by a mix of motivations including adventure, power, wealth, fame, and religious zeal.
  • King Charles I of Spain established a vast empire with colonial territories in North and South America and Asia.
  • Charles I, later Charles V, issued decrees to counteract the enslavement of indigenous populations in his empire.
  • Charles V's empire was fueled by vast amounts of gold and silver, leading to an economic crisis.
  • The collapse of the Jewish financial system in Europe led to a financial reorientation, with Augsburg becoming a financial capital.
  • Jakob Fugger, a significant merchant and banker, diversified investments and was successful in his financial ventures.
  • Fugger balanced his financial success with social commitment, founding the Fugger High, a social housing project still in use today.
  • Fugger's financial empire was vast, and he made significant contributions to art and architecture, including the Fugger Chapel.
  • The sale of indulgences by the Renaissance popes, including Pope Leo X, funded projects like the construction of St. Peter's Basilica, leading to the Reformation sparked by Martin Luther's opposition to indulgences.

41:44

Renaissance: Embracing Curiosity and Innovation

  • The Renaissance was a movement against closed minds and the worship of experts, promoting intellectual curiosity and bravery in exploring new ideas.
  • People of the Renaissance sought knowledge over blind belief, pushing boundaries in their pursuit of understanding.
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