Question

What was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire?

• A. Alexandria
• B. Constantinople
• C. Athens
• D. Antioch

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Constantinople

Renaissance

• Constantinople (the present Istanbul), is the erstwhile capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

• Hagia Sophia is a monument built in 6th CE AD, now preserved as a history museum in Turkey. Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453. Consequently, scholars, artists and writers fled from Constantinople to nearby areas, especially to Italy.

• The Renaissance began in Italy in the 13th century and spread to other nations.

• It influenced literature, art, science and religion. The life of the common man became the central theme.

• The literature was no longer confined to religion and philosophy, but gave way to themes that depicted diverse aspects of human life.

• This vision, primarily concerned with the various aspects of human life, is known as humanism, the most prominent characteristic feature of the Renaissance. Consequently, a new awakening in all spheres of human life became visible in Europe, known as the Renaissance