Difference Between Medieval and Renaissance

Western history is divided into three parts namely classical antiquity, the Medieval period, and the modern period. Renaissance was the period between the Medieval and the modern age. There were several changes, inventions, and developments in living styles, and social, economic, cultural, and political areas. The structure, literature, and architecture developed and followed between the Medieval and Renaissance periods were very different.

Difference Between Medieval and Renaissance

The detailed difference between the Medieval and Renaissance period is given below.

Parameter	Medieval	Renaissance
Definition	Middle Age or Medieval period is defined as a period in Europe history that began after the fall of the Roman Empire.	Renaissance is defined as the period after the Medieval Age and before the Modern Age.
Time Period	The medieval period lasted from the 5th century to the 14th century.	The Renaissance period lasted from the 14th century till the 17th century.
Supreme Body	During the Medieval period, the church was Supreme to the State.	During the Renaissance period, the State was Supreme to the Church.
Art	The art and architecture done during the medieval period was influenced by their religions and art was made accordingly.	The art and architecture done during the Renaissance period were influenced by Roman and Geeks ideas.
Literature	During the medieval period the literature written was majorly based on religion and the work was done by hand.	During the Renaissance period, the literature written was more secular and covered many topics and the printing press was used for writing the literature.
Beliefs	During the medieval period, the people were more superstitious and had a fear of god.	During the Renaissance period, people started thinking logically and started to keep faith in god.
Famous Painters	Giotto and Donatello were famous painters during the Medieval period.	Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci were famous painters during the Renaissance period.
Wealth	The land was considered the greatest wealth in the Medieval period.	Money, trade, and production were considered as wealth in the Renaissance period.
Right to question higher authority	During the Medieval period the common people had no right to question their king or other higher authority	During the Renaissance period, the people questioned the authorities.

What is Medieval Period?

The medieval period is also known as the middle ages. The medieval period existed from the 5th century to the 14th century. The medieval period existed after the classical antiquity period and was the middle period of Western history. Church is known as the center of the Medieval period as the Catholic Church became the most powerful institution after the fall of the Roman Empire. During this period of the Medieval age, the majority of property and land was with Churches and nobles. Even the king and queen during this period derived their powers from the church. The land was considered the greatest wealth in the Medieval period. The arts and architecture during the medieval period were based on the religious beliefs of the people.

What is Renaissance Period?

Renaissance was the period that followed after the Medieval period in European history. The Renaissance period existed between the 14th century to the 17 century. According to French the word Renaissance means “rebirth”. The Renaissance period is considered a bridge between the medieval and modern ages. There was a great development in cultural, social, and economic aspects as compared to the middle ages. Italy is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance as Renaissance first started in Italy and then slowly got spread in Europe. Many important scientific and mathematical inventions were made in the Renaissance period.

FAQs Difference Between Medieval And Renaissance

1. Where did Renaissance Start?

Answer:

Renaissance was started in Italy first. Italy was a place that was rich in cultural history and where all the rich citizens afford to support budding artists.

2. Who is considered the greatest painter of the Renaissance period?

Answer:

Leonardo da Vinci is considered the greatest painter of the Renaissance period. It provided insights into many fields such as mathematics, engineering, and astronomy.

3. Medieval period is also known as?

Answer:

The medieval period is also known as the Dark age or middle ages.

4. Who was considered the highest Supremacy in the medieval period?

Answer:

During the medieval period, Church was considered the highest Supremacy. Even the king and queens derived their powers from the church.

5. How was the Social Structure During the Medieval Period?

Answer:

The social structure in the Medieval period consists of lords, vassals, and fiefs. Lords where the owner of lands. They gave lands to vassals and in return vassals remain loyal and service to the king. Vassals gave land for cultivation to fiefs and rented them for the land.