The R/renaissance(s), Humanists And Classics

Abstract

First, where does the Renaissance fit in chronologically with other periods of the past? There is general agreement that the Renaissance should be dated from 1300 to 1650, though some believe that a more accurate and meaningful starting date would be 1400/1450. The Middle Ages is generally taken to be the period 500 to 1500 (a considerable overlap with the Renaissance then), though some would date the start to the Arab conquests beginning about 640. A period of the Middle Ages is traditionally known as the ‘Dark Age(s)’. Those who believe that the term is still appropriate (many reject it because of its negative connotations) date this from 500/600 to 800, though some extend it to 1000. (See later for the origins of the terms ‘Renaissance’, ‘Middle Ages’ and ‘Dark Age(s)’.)