The Renaissance period (14th-17th centuries) saw a revival of the learning of ancient Greek and Roman culture. This period emphasized reason and the individual, in contrast to the medieval period where faith and salvation were the people's primary concern. During the Renaissance period, individuals focused their attention on secular society and its pleasures, such as the arts, literature, and science. This new way of thinking was called Humanism, an educational system that emphasizes classical literature, Latin, and Greek. Comparing Florence and England, humanistic ideas developed differently. The Renaissance originated in Florence, Italy, in the late 13th century, and under the leadership of a powerful banking family, the Medici, especially Lorenzo the Magnificent (1469-1492), the Renaissance reached its highest point in Florence. Humanistic ideas began to spread in France, Germany and England. The Renaissance reached England during the 16th century. There are historical documents, personal writings and novels that illuminate how this important period developed differently in these two different areas. The two works of fiction we read, The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, helped me better understand the people, issues, and events of the past because they help me integrate historical documents and personal writing , illuminate the time period covered and present the complexity of the issues in a way we can understand. The Birth of Venus brings to life the Renaissance period in Florence under the leadership of the Medici family, from the point of view of Alessandra Cecchi (Sister Lucrezia), a young woman who wants to become an artist but ends up becoming a nun. And, Wol...... middle of paper ...... ect had to swear to recognize Anne Boleyn as their queen and her son as successor to the throne of England. In Wolf Hall we see as the Boleyn family what it meant for Anne Boleyn to marry Henry. According to Anne's father, "he deserves a special title and has made it known that it would not displease him to be known as Monseigneur". Even before Anne and Henry were married, he had bestowed upon her and her family many expensive gifts and titles. This marriage was beneficial to both parties, as Henry had the opportunity to have his own male heir, while Anne and her family received the benefits of being a family of the King of England. Women in general were used for benefits. Parents arranged their daughter's marriages to families from whom they could gain benefits, such as status in society, political alliances, or wealth.