"rebirth"; following the Middle Ages, a movement that centered on the relearning of classical learning from Greece and Rome and focus on humanism

An intellectual movement that focused on human potential and achievements during the Renaissance instead of the afterlife

A well known Italian Renaissance artist, architect, musician, mathemetician, engineer, and scientist. Famous works include the Mona Lisa

A well known Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, poet, engineer, and architect. Famous works include the Sistine Chapel, and the sculpture of David.

The period of time, beginning in the late 1400s, in which European explorers sought new routes to Asia and discovered the Americas

Italian navigator who discovered the New World in the service of Spain while looking for a route to China (1451-1506)

the first European to reach India by sea sailing around the tip of Africa.

A religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches.

a German monk who became one of the most famous critics of the Roman Catholic Chruch. In 1517, he wrote 95 theses, or statements of belief attacking the church practices.

the expansion of the trade and buisness that transformed European economies during the 16th and 17th centuries.

German printer who was the first in Europe to print using movable type and the first to use a press (1400-1468)

A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation, experimentation, and the questioning of accepted beliefs.

This scientist proved Copernicus' theory that the sun was the center of the solar system and developed the modern experimental method.

Defined the laws of motion and gravity. Tried to explain motion of the universe.

An exchange of goods, ideas and skills from the Old World (Europe, Asia and Africa) to the New World (North and South America) and vice versa.

Time period in Europe (1600-1700s) where monarchs maintained complete centralized authority

a movement that emphasized science and reason as guides to help see the world and human institutions more clearly

17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property.

Enlightenment thinker that believed government should have three branches of government in order to have separation of power

Belief that a rulers authority comes directly from god.

(1638-1715) Known as the Sun King, he was an absolute monarch that completely controlled France.