Gone Medieval Is the Renaissance a Myth?
18 snips
Feb 25, 2025 Dr. Eleanor Janega and Dr. Ada Palmer take a deep dive into the Renaissance, revealing it as a period rife with political instability and medical decline. They challenge the glorified narratives of the era, unpacking the myth of a golden age amidst chaos. The discussion spans the influence of figures like Petrarch, the controversial medical practices that favored astrology over anatomy, and the moral depravity of popes. Additionally, the surprising election of Jesus Christ as King of Florence highlights the sociopolitical complexities that shaped this tumultuous time.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Petrarch's Ascent
- Petrarch claimed to be the first person since antiquity to climb a mountain for the view.
- This event, from a letter in 1350, is said to mark the Renaissance's beginning.
Renaissance as Propaganda
- The Renaissance is propaganda, with varying start dates depending on who you ask.
- English departments place it around 1500 with Shakespeare, while Italianists place it earlier, around Dante.
Florence's Cultural Power
- An envoy, traveling to Rome, stops in Florence, initially viewing it with disdain.
- The city's impressive art and culture, however, lead to an alliance proposal.
