Renaissance History Mysteries Case Studies
The period from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c.650 BCE – 1750 CE) was when major societies around the world came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was a time when the modern world began to take shape.
The Renaissance was a period in European history which formed a bridge between the Middle Ages and the modern era. The Renaissance arrived at different countries at varying times- Italy was the first to experience this movement beginning in the 14th century while it did not reach England until the sixteenth century.
The Renaissance heralded the emergence of significant ideas, inventions, literature and art that shaped the early modern world during and after this period.
The interactive units will challenge students to solve some of the mysteries of the Renaissance period and help them develop an understanding of context and chronology, continuity and change over time.
The following inquiry questions provide a framework for developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills.
- How did societies change from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern age?
- What key beliefs and values emerged, and how did they influence societies?
- What were the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period?
- What were the perspectives of people from the time?
- Which significant people, groups and ideas from this period have influenced and shaped the world today?
- How and why have historians interpreted this period differently?
