The Renaissance era is marked by extensive European innovation in many areas of study. While many people think first of developments in the arts, religion and philosophy, the Renaissance is also marked by a large number of inventions by the scientific community.

"Condottieri" is the Italian name for mercenary captains who, during the Renaissance period, provided the bulk of the armed forces for the various Italian states.

John Donne is most commonly known as the founder of the "Metaphysical Poets," a group which included such others as Samuel Johnson, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw, Andrew Marvell, and John Cleveland.

Most Renaissance women aspired to have beautiful white teeth, voluptuous bodies and beautiful clothing. How do their beauty routines differ from those of today?

To really understand any historical time period it is essential that one has a firm grasp on the vocabulary of the times. In this article, the definitions for various governmental and military occupations are given and defined.