Renaissance Period: Cultural Rebirth and Societal Evolution

The Renaissance: A Cultural Rebirth

The Renaissance represents a profound transformation of European culture during the 15th and 16th centuries. The name 'Renaissance' itself signifies the 'new life' or 'rebirth' of Greco-Roman culture during this period. Many authors mark its beginning in 1453 with the conquest of Constantinople. Others link its emergence to the discovery of printing, or even to Copernicus's discovery of the heliocentric system. However, a common benchmark for its culmination is 1492, with the discovery of America. In Spain, this rebirth is often associated with 1492, marking the completion of the Reconquista with the fall of Granada and the discovery of America.

Key Ideals and Philosophical Shifts

The common ideal of this period was the hope for a rebirth of human beings, striving for a truly "human" existence through the arts, sciences, and research. This demonstrated a new consideration of humans as natural beings. While medieval thought embraced theocentrism (God as the center), the Renaissance declared anthropocentrism (humanity as the center). It distinguished between the natural and the supernatural, concepts that had often blended in the Middle Ages. Feudal lords began to disappear, giving way to centralized, authoritarian monarchies.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Landscape

Economic Shifts and Urban Growth

In the 15th century, the socio-economic situation still retained feudal elements, but cities experienced significant growth and development. With the consolidation of national unification under the Catholic Monarchs and the discovery of America by the end of the century, Spain emerged as a major economic powerhouse.

The Impact of the Printing Press

Culturally, the development of the printing press was a crucial factor for the widespread dissemination of knowledge and ideas across Europe.

The Renaissance in Spain: Unique Characteristics

Literary Innovations and Poetic Forms

Spain embraced the universal currents of the Renaissance, aligning itself with other European nations. This included the adaptation of Italian poetic meters into Castilian, primarily the hendecasyllable, and verse forms such as sonnets, tercets (triplets), and lyres. A key characteristic was the emphasis on reason as a primary source of knowledge, challenging the reliance on sacred texts and medieval tradition.

Reason, Religion, and Mystical Literature

Religiously, criticisms emerged that challenged the Catholic Church, leading to a crisis. This religious preoccupation also spurred the development of mystical literature, with prominent representatives like Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross. Despite the perception of the national language as inferior to Latin, much of this literature flourished almost exclusively in Castilian.