Key Historical Events: Renaissance, Reformation, and Ancient Civilizations

Key Historical Events

Intellectual Renaissance

The humanist movement born in Italy in the fourteenth century is considered the intellectual Renaissance. It encompasses the ideas developed by the writers of the time.

Reformation and Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church experienced a deep crisis during the first half of the sixteenth century due to the actions of some of its members. This led to the reform movement driven by Martin Luther.

Early American Population

For most of the Quaternary period, the American continent was sparsely populated.

Mayan Culture Location

The Mayan culture flourished in Central America between the fifth and fifteenth centuries.

Mayan Organization

The Mayan social and economic structure was divided into the Old and New Empires. Their religion included a complex system of gods related to agriculture and astronomy. The ancient Maya's diet was based on maize, sometimes supplemented with coconut or chili seasoning.

Aztec Culture Location

The Aztec culture was located in Mexico.

Aztec Organization

Their social and economic organization was structured with the emperor-god at the top, followed by the nobility, the people, and prisoners. Religion was central, with temples and pyramids as monumental works. Cultural development was closely tied to their religious order.

Inca Culture Location

The Inca culture developed between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Inca Organization

The empire was divided into four regions, with an imperial nobility and a sacerdotal class. The Inca were also skilled in metalworking, architecture, and goldsmithing.

Absolutism

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the nobility and the bourgeoisie clashed for power.

Lutheranism

Luther attempted to correct practices within the Church that he found concerning.

Calvinism

Starting in 1528, a Christian doctrine similar to Luther's was preached in Zurich by Zwingli.

The Bourgeoisie

From the eighteenth century, the bourgeoisie had developed significant economic power, challenging the nobility.

Capitalism

During the eighteenth century, capitalism was driven by demographic development.