How did Classical learning fare during the Renaissance? [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 2]

Classical learning played a major role in the Renaissance, which was a period of great intellectual and cultural revival in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. During this time, scholars and artists looked to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations as models of artistic and intellectual excellence.

Classical learning during the Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and art. Scholars studied and translated ancient texts, including the works of Aristotle, Plato, and Cicero, which had been lost or forgotten during the Middle Ages. These works provided a new source of inspiration and intellectual guidance for scholars and artists, who sought to emulate the classical ideals of beauty, reason, and proportion in their own work.

The study of classical languages, especially Latin, was also an important part of Renaissance education. Latin was the language of scholarship and diplomacy in Europe, and it provided access to the works of ancient Roman writers such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. In addition, the study of Greek became increasingly popular among scholars, leading to a new interest in Greek literature, philosophy, and art.

Overall, classical learning during the Renaissance was characterized by a deep reverence for the achievements of the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as a desire to recapture and surpass the intellectual and artistic achievements of the past. This focus on classical learning had a profound impact on the development of Western culture, and it continues to influence art, literature, and philosophy to this day.