Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.

BSCE 1A
ANCIENT TIMES:
This term refers to the period in history that predates the Middle Ages or the
medieval period. It encompasses a vast stretch of time, depending on the region, but
generally includes periods from around 3000 BCE (Before Common Era) to 476 CE
(Common Era) in Europe.
KEY FEATURES OF CIVILIZATION
- A civilization is a complex, highly organized society characterized by urban
development, social stratification, complex communication and legal systems, and often
some form of written record keeping.
1. Complex Social Structure:
 Ancient civilizations typically had intricate social hierarchies. People were
organized into various groups or classes based on factors such as social
status, occupation, or birthright. For example, in many ancient societies, you
might find a ruling class of elites, a middle class of artisans and merchants,
and a lower class of laborers or peasants. Social roles and expectations were
often well-defined, contributing to social stability.
2. Advanced Technology and Infrastructure:
 This aspect highlights the technological achievements of ancient civilizations.
Advanced tools, techniques, and systems were developed for purposes like
construction (e.g., the pyramids in Egypt), transportation (e.g., Roman roads),
and communication (e.g., the use of cuneiform in Mesopotamia).
Infrastructure encompassed not only physical structures like roads, bridges,
and buildings but also organizational systems that allowed societies to
function efficiently.
3. Written Language and Record Keeping:
 The development of a written language was a pivotal achievement. It enabled
civilizations to record information, making it possible to document their
history, laws, culture, and more. Written records served as the foundation for
governance, administration, and the passing down of knowledge through
generations.
4. Agricultural Surplus:
 The production of surplus food beyond immediate consumption needs was a
key driver of civilization. It allowed societies to support larger populations and
facilitated the emergence of specialized occupations such as priests,
craftsmen, and warriors. This surplus also provided a buffer against food
shortages during lean times.

5. Trade and Networks:

 Trade involved the exchange of goods, services, and ideas between different
regions or communities. It often resulted in cultural exchange and economic
development. Trade networks allowed for the movement of valuable
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
resources, fostered cooperation, and expanded the horizons of ancient
civilizations.
6. Complex Government and Laws:
 The development of formal systems of governance and legal codes was
essential for maintaining order and resolving disputes within ancient societies.
Complex governments often had organized leadership structures, such as
monarchies or city-states, with laws that regulated behavior and ensured the
functioning of the state.
7. Art, Architecture, and Cultural Achievements:
 Artistic and architectural achievements showcased the creativity and cultural
identity of ancient civilizations. This included visual arts like paintings and
sculptures, monumental architecture such as temples and palaces, literature,
music, and other cultural expressions. These accomplishments often served
as symbols of a civilization's greatness and cultural heritage.
8. Religion and Belief System:
 Religion and belief systems were integral to ancient societies. They
encompassed spiritual beliefs, rituals, and practices that shaped cultural
values, ethics, and social organization. Many ancient civilizations had
pantheons of gods and goddesses, religious texts, and sacred sites that
played a central role in the lives of their people.

MIDDLE AGES:
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, was a crucial era in European history
spanning from the 5th century to the late 15th century. It was characterized by a complex interplay of
political, social, and economic structures.

 Feudalism: This was a dominant socio-political system. It involved a hierarchical

structure where land was granted by a lord to vassals (lesser lords) in exchange for
loyalty and military service. This system provided a degree of stability and
organization in a time of political fragmentation.

 Dominance of the Catholic Church: The Catholic Church played a central role in
medieval society. It was not only a religious authority but also exerted significant
influence on political and social matters. The Church was a unifying force and
provided a moral framework for society.

 Decline of the Roman Empire: The Middle Ages began with the decline and
eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire. This led to a period of decentralized rule
and the emergence of various independent kingdoms and feudal states in Europe.

1. Astrolabe:

The astrolabe was an intricate astronomical instrument that revolutionized navigation during the
Middle Ages. It enabled sailors to determine their latitude by measuring the altitude of celestial objects
above the horizon. This allowed for more accurate and reliable sea voyages, contributing to the Age
of Exploration.

2. Castles and Cathedrals:

 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
a. Castles: These were formidable fortifications built for defensive purposes. They often
featured high walls, drawbridges, moats, and other defensive elements. Castles were
essential in providing security and protection during a time of frequent conflicts.

b. Cathedrals: Cathedrals were magnificent religious edifices, central to the spiritual

and cultural life of medieval communities. They were typically the seat of a bishopric
and were characterized by their grand architecture, including towering spires, intricate
stained glass windows, and ornate sculptures.

3. Alchemy:

Alchemy was a multifaceted intellectual pursuit that combined elements of philosophy, proto-science,
and mysticism. It sought to achieve goals such as transmuting base metals into noble ones like gold
and discovering the elixir of life. While it did not achieve its materialistic goals, alchemy laid the
groundwork for the development of modern chemistry.

4. Navigation and Exploration:

The Middle Ages witnessed significant advancements in navigation techniques. The use of
instruments like astrolabes and improved maps greatly aided sailors and explorers in finding their way
across oceans and uncharted territories. This progress paved the way for the exploration of new
lands.

5. Bubonic Plague:

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, was a catastrophic pandemic that struck Europe
and Asia in the 14th century. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and led to a staggering
loss of life, with estimates of millions of deaths. The Plague had far-reaching socio-economic and
cultural consequences, including labor shortages and shifts in power dynamics.

6. Crusades:

The Crusades were a series of religiously motivated military expeditions initiated by European
Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries. Their primary objective was to recapture the Holy
Land, particularly Jerusalem, from Islamic control. The Crusades had profound impacts on the
political, cultural, and economic dynamics of both Europe and the Middle East.

7. Canons and Gunpowder:

Canons were powerful artillery weapons that launched metal balls using gunpowder, a
groundbreaking invention. This technology revolutionized warfare during the Middle Ages, marking a
shift from traditional castle-based warfare. The advent of canons and gunpowder contributed to the
decline of the knightly class and reshaped military strategies.

RENAISSANCE PERIOD:
Renaissance Period:
The Renaissance period occurred from the late 14th century to the 17th century. The
Renaissance is often described as a cultural, political, scientific, and intellectual explosion in
Europe. It marked a significant shift from the preceding medieval era. During this period,
there was a renewed interest in the classical arts and sciences of ancient Greece and Rome.
It was characterized by advancements in various fields, including art, literature, philosophy,
science, and politics.
 Humanism: One of the key intellectual movements of the Renaissance was
humanism. This emphasized the value of human potential, creativity, and
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
individual achievement. Humanists studied classical texts, seeking to
understand and emulate the accomplishments of ancient Greece and Rome.
 Artistic Achievements: The Renaissance is renowned for its exceptional
artistic achievements. It saw the emergence of iconic figures like Leonardo da
Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. These artists created masterpieces that
continue to be celebrated for their beauty, realism, and technical innovation.
 Scientific Advancements: The Renaissance witnessed significant progress
in various scientific fields. Pioneers like Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and
Nicolaus Copernicus challenged established theories about the cosmos,
contributing to the Scientific Revolution.
 Political and Social Change: The Renaissance played a role in reshaping
political and social structures. Ideas about governance, citizenship, and the
role of the individual in society were explored. This era set the stage for the
later development of modern political thought.
 Literary Flourishing: The period produced some of the most influential
literary works in history. Authors like Dante Alighieri, Geoffrey Chaucer, and
Petrarch made significant contributions to poetry and literature.
1. New Method of Scientific Study:
 Empiricism and Observation: Renaissance thinkers placed a greater
emphasis on empirical evidence and direct observation as opposed to relying
solely on inherited knowledge. This shift in approach was instrumental in the
development of modern science.
 Experimentation: Scientists began to conduct experiments to test
hypotheses and validate theories. This marked a departure from earlier
methods that relied more heavily on deductive reasoning and philosophy.
 Influence on Modern Science: The new method of scientific study
established during the Renaissance laid the groundwork for the scientific
method, a systematic process of inquiry used in modern science.
2. Improvement of Lenses:
 Optical Advancements: The improvement of lenses revolutionized various
fields, particularly in the study of optics. High-quality lenses enabled clearer
and more accurate observations in disciplines like astronomy and
microscopy.
 Telescopes and Microscopes: The development of better lenses played a
crucial role in the invention of instruments like telescopes and microscopes.
These tools extended human vision, allowing for the discovery of new
celestial bodies and the exploration of the microscopic world.
3. Printing Press:
 Dissemination of Knowledge: The printing press had a profound impact on
the spread of information. It made books more accessible to a wider
audience, reducing the reliance on handwritten manuscripts, which were time-
consuming and expensive to produce.
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
 Cultural Revolution: The availability of printed materials accelerated the
spread of ideas and knowledge, contributing to a cultural revolution. It
facilitated the exchange of information across regions and played a pivotal
role in the Protestant Reformation.
 Emergence of a Reading Public: The accessibility of printed materials led to
the emergence of a broader reading public. This, in turn, stimulated literacy
rates and created a more informed and engaged society.
 Economic and Cultural Shifts: The printing press transformed the
economics of book production and distribution, leading to the rise of a
publishing industry. It also played a crucial role in standardizing language and
contributed to the development of national identities.

Who made impact?

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519):
 Artistic Masterpieces: Leonardo da Vinci was a polymath, excelling in
various fields. He is perhaps best known for his exceptional artistic
talents. His paintings, including the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper,"
are considered some of the most iconic and celebrated works of art in
history.
 Scientific Inquisitiveness: Leonardo was not only an artist but also a
keen observer of the natural world. He made significant contributions to
anatomy, botany, and engineering. His detailed anatomical sketches
and studies of natural phenomena reflect his curiosity and scientific
mind.
 Inventions and Engineering: Leonardo designed numerous
innovative machines and inventions. His sketches included designs for
flying machines, war devices, hydraulic systems, and architectural
innovations. While many of his inventions were not built during his
lifetime, they demonstrated his visionary approach to engineering.
 Pioneering Studies in Anatomy: Leonardo conducted detailed
dissections of the human body, producing incredibly accurate
anatomical drawings. His work laid the foundation for our modern
understanding of human anatomy and had a profound influence on
medical science.
2. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642):
 Founding Father of Modern Science: Galileo is often referred to as
the "father of modern science" due to his contributions to physics,
astronomy, and the scientific method. He made pioneering
observations and experiments that transformed our understanding of
the natural world.
 Telescope Discoveries: Galileo's observations with the telescope
revolutionized astronomy. He observed the moons of Jupiter, the
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
phases of Venus, sunspots, and the craters on the moon. These
observations provided strong evidence for the heliocentric model of the
solar system.
 Laws of Motion: Galileo made significant contributions to the study of
motion. His experiments on falling objects and rolling balls laid the
groundwork for Isaac Newton's laws of motion.
 Conflict with the Church: Galileo's support for the heliocentric model
and his observations challenged the geocentric view held by the
Catholic Church. He faced persecution and was eventually tried by the
Inquisition. His work, however, paved the way for the acceptance of the
heliocentric model.
3. Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468):
 Invention of the Printing Press: Johannes Gutenberg is credited with
inventing the movable-type printing press around 1440. This
revolutionary technology allowed for the mass production of books and
documents. His most famous production is the Gutenberg Bible, one of
the earliest major books printed using movable metal type in Europe.
 Transformation of Communication: The printing press transformed
the way information was disseminated. It made books more accessible,
affordable, and widely available. This played a crucial role in spreading
knowledge, leading to increased literacy rates and a cultural revolution.
 Standardization of Language: The printing press contributed to the
standardization of language. It helped to establish common linguistic
forms and contributed to the development of national languages,
fostering a sense of cultural identity.
 Impact on Education and Knowledge: The availability of printed
materials democratized access to education and knowledge. It
accelerated the spread of ideas across regions and played a pivotal
role in various intellectual and cultural movements, including the
Renaissance and the Reformation.

4. Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543):

1. Heliocentric Model:
 Copernicus is best known for his groundbreaking heliocentric model of
the solar system. In his work "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium"
("On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres"), published in 1543 (the
year of his death), Copernicus proposed that the Earth and the other
planets orbit around the Sun. This model revolutionized our
understanding of the cosmos.
2. Sun-Centered Solar System:
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
 Copernicus's heliocentric model challenged the geocentric view, which
held that the Earth was the center of the universe. This shift in
perspective was a major milestone in the history of astronomy.
3. Mathematical Formulations:
 Copernicus's model was not only conceptually groundbreaking but also
mathematically elegant. He used mathematics to describe the motions
of the planets in a more consistent and accurate manner compared to
the previous geocentric models.
4. Avoidance of Epicycles:
 The Ptolemaic system, the prevailing geocentric model of the time,
relied heavily on the use of epicycles (complex circular motions within
motions) to explain the observed movements of planets. Copernicus's
heliocentric model simplified the system by eliminating the need for
many of these epicycles.
5. Influence on Later Astronomers:
 Copernicus's work paved the way for further advancements in
astronomy. His model laid the foundation for the work of later
astronomers such as Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, who built
upon and refined the heliocentric model.
6. Challenges to Traditional Cosmology:
 Copernicus's heliocentric theory challenged established beliefs about
the structure of the universe and the Earth's place within it. This idea
sparked significant intellectual and scientific debates, leading to a shift
in the way humans viewed their position in the cosmos.
7. Posthumous Impact:
 Although Copernicus's work was met with resistance initially, it had a
profound and enduring impact on the scientific community and the
broader society. It laid the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution and
played a crucial role in the eventual acceptance of the heliocentric
model.

Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564):

1. Founder of Modern Human Anatomy:
 Vesalius is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Human
Anatomy." His seminal work, "De humani corporis fabrica" ("On the
Fabric of the Human Body"), published in 1543, revolutionized the
study of anatomy. In this book, Vesalius presented detailed, accurate
anatomical illustrations and descriptions based on his own meticulous
dissections.
 Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A
2. Empirical Approach to Anatomy:
 Vesalius emphasized the importance of direct observation and hands-
on dissection as the primary methods for studying anatomy. This
approach stood in contrast to the prevailing practice of relying on
ancient texts and relying on animal dissections.
3. Corrected Previous Anatomical Errors:
 Vesalius's work corrected many anatomical errors that had been
perpetuated for centuries. He challenged long-held misconceptions
about the human body and provided a more accurate understanding of
its structure.
4. Detailed Illustrations:
 "De humani corporis fabrica" featured exceptionally detailed and
accurate anatomical illustrations. These illustrations were meticulously
crafted and provided a level of detail and accuracy that was
unprecedented in Vesalius's time.
5. Advancement of Medical Education:
 Vesalius's emphasis on direct observation and dissection
revolutionized medical education. He advocated for hands-on
experience in the study of anatomy, which had a profound impact on
medical training and laid the foundation for modern medical education.
6. Dissection of Human Cadavers:
 Vesalius advocated for the use of human cadavers in the study of
anatomy, rather than relying solely on animal dissections. This practice
allowed for a more accurate understanding of human anatomy and
paved the way for the development of modern surgical techniques.
7. Challenges to Traditional Authority:
 Vesalius's work challenged the authority of established anatomical
teachings, including those of Galen, a prominent ancient physician
whose writings held great influence. Vesalius's observations and
findings sometimes contradicted Galenic doctrines, leading to
significant debates within the medical community.
8. Legacy and Influence:
 Vesalius's contributions to the field of anatomy had a profound and
enduring impact on the practice of medicine. His meticulous approach
to the study of the human body set new standards for anatomical
research and education. His work laid the foundation for the
development of modern anatomy and surgery.
Owned by Guinsiman, Jasper Kyle A.
BSCE 1A