TWO CAUSES OF RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE

 TWO CAUSES OF RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE

1) Impact of the Crusades- The crusades or the wars between the Christians and Muslims which were fought between 10th and 14th century and which ultimately results in the victory of the Muslims also provided an impetus to Renaissance. As a result of the Crusades the Western scholars came in contact with the East which was more civilized and polished than the Christians. A number of Western scholars went to the universities of Cairo, Kufa and Cordova etc and learnt many new ideas, which they subsequently spread in Europe.

2) Fall of Constantinople- The fall of Constantinople, in the hands of the Muslims in 1453 AD provided an indirect impetus to renaissance. A large numbers of Greek and Roman scholars who were working in the Libraries at Constantinople, fled to different parts of Europe with valuable literature. They began teaching Greek and Latin in various European countries. As passionate admirers of classical writers they searched for lost manuscripts of Greek and Latin literature and discovered many works which had been hitherto ignored and neglected.

Reference: AMU History department Notes