It is a blend of concern for the history and actions of human beings, mainly the ancient Greeks and Romans, such as, Cicero, Ceaser, and Augustine, with the belief that man was at the center of the universe. ... One of Petrarch's legacies was his belief that the recovery and study of the works of antiquity could restore virtue, culture, and social order. ... His imitation of Virgil's Aeneid shows the degree to which he relied on Classical literature as a source and guide. ... Based on his studies of Cicero, Petrarch believed that there had to be more to virtue than religion. ...

• Word Count: 2254
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

(Brown, 9) In Florence, which is considered to be the most important center of Renaissance learning in history, the Medici family dominated the ruling class. ... As its name implies, humanism was a philosophy that was characterized by blending concern with the history and actions of all human beings, and their influences on the world with religious duty. ... The humanistic movement began during the early Italian Renaissance with the rediscovery of the writings of classical Greeks and Romans, which were not only models of literary style, but considered to be guides to the understanding of life...

• Word Count: 1908
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The Renaissance/Early Modern Period is distinguished from other periods in European history almost entirely in intellectual or cultural terms. ... The humanists of the Renaissance rediscovered the Latin and Greek classics (hence the "rebirth" or "renaissance" of the classical world), that humanist philosophy stressed the dignity of humanity, and that humanists shifted intellectual emphasis off of theology and logic to specifically human studies. ... As its name implies, humanism was a philosophy that was characterized by blending concern with the history and actions of all human beings, and ...

• Word Count: 1970
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

After studying Machiavelli it is apparent why The Prince remains relevant in this day and age. The Prince was written by Machiavelli as a how to guide for the prince of Florence, Lorenzo de Medici, on how to rule and be an effective ruler. ... Instead of relying on abstract thoughts he chooses to take a practical approach and use history to construct these guidelines he lays out for Lorenzo Medici on to best maintain power of his state. ...

• Word Count: 1965
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography