1. Why did the Renaissance start in Italy? Describe the role of the aristocratic courts of such powerful figures as the de Medicis and the papacy in engendering and sustaining this cultural revival.

2. The main goal of all Renaissance humanists was to fix their own world by recovering the glories of ancient Rome and Greece. How was this effort to revive antiquity reflected in the art and literature of the Renaissance?

3. What were some of the topics Luther raised in the 95 Theses? What did he see as the major problems with the religious practices of his day?

4. Why did the Reformation happen in the early 16th century after Martin Luther posted the 95 Thesis rather than earlier in response to other protests against Church practice?