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Feudalism
A combined economic and social system that defined the Middle Ages. Under feudalism, societal classes were hierarchically divided based on their position in the prevailing agrarian economy. The system produced a large number of scattered, self-sufficient feudal units throughout Europe, made up of a lord and his subservient vassals. These feudal lords constantly battled during the early middle ages, their armies of peasants facing off to win land for their lords.
Humanism
Humanism was the philosophical backbone of the Renaissance, emphasizing the potential for individual achievement and stipulating that humans were rational beings capable of truth and goodness. In keeping with the principles of humanism, Renaissance scholars celebrated the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans for their own sake, rather than for their relevance to Church doctrine.
Neoplatonism
Neoplatonism sought to reconcile humanism with Christianity, to blend the teachings of Plato and other ancient philosophers with the teachings of the Church. Neoplatonism flourished throughout Italy as the primary philosophy by which artists rationalized their more secular works.
Papal Nephew
The term “nephew” (nipote, in Italian) was applied to the children, which though claimed as those of the pope’s siblings, were understood to be the pope’s own illegitimate children. The fathering of illegitimate children was common practice throughout the Renaissance, especially under corrupt popes such as Pope Sixtus IV, the position of the papal “nephew” rose to new levels, as “nephews” were given influential positions and high salaries. This practice of nepotism was one way in which the Church became morally discredited during the Renaissance.
The Prince
Written by Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince was a guidebook for the ruler Machiavelli hoped would eventually unite Italy to drive out foreign threats that was written in 1513. The Prince argues that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved.
