Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Vinci, Tuscany, during a time called the Renaissance.   His creations of art and advancements in science not only surpassed those of his time, but have contributed to the fundamentals of modern day technology and are arguably the greatest in history.   Many of da Vinci's paintings remain today as proof of his pioneered techniques, brilliance, and talent. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language defines "renaissance man" as "[a] man who has broad intellectual interests and is accomplished in areas of both the arts and the sciences." This is a term still used today, and its derivation is obvious.   Many people in the Fourteenth to Sixteenth Centuries were skillful artists and scientists, but Leonardo da Vinci was the quintessential Renaissance man.  
The Renaissance was a time of economic stability. Originating in Italy and eventually expanding to other parts of Europe such as Germany, France, and England, the Renaissance was an era of renewed interest in literature and art and emphasized autonomous thought and creations.   The philosophy of humanism, an idea stressing the importance and distinction of individuals, is thought to have originated during this time ("Renaissance" Encarta). Italian writers struggled to discover and preserve earlier works by Romans and Greeks.  
There was one main cause for the Renaissance and the economical boom; a population increase.   The Crusades caused a spark in trade due to interactions with other cultures.   Trade routes were established and eventually became crowded.   Therefore, existing towns grew into cities, and new ones were conceived.   As towns grew and became crowded, there arose a need for expansion.   People traveled more and interacted with other cities and cultures, which was forbidden under the feudal system.   This interaction and constant traveling, along with military encounters, increased trade even more.   The feudal system began to break down.  
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