西方文明史论文

合集下载

西方文明史论文

从宙斯到朱庇特——由希腊神话与罗马神话看罗马文明的兴衰(为什么古希腊人口中的宙斯,变成了古罗马人的朱庇特?为什么酒神狄奥尼索斯,到了罗马就变成了巴克斯?)古希腊文明和古罗马文明是欧洲文明的发源地,是西方文明的摇篮。

作为先后称霸地中海乃至亚非欧三洲的强大文明,古希腊文明与古罗马文明有着千丝万缕的联系。

对于这两大文明的研究直到今天也没有停止,今天我想从一个简单的方面来说说我对这段历史的理解。

首先,对古希腊与古罗马的历史简单介绍一下。

据资料记载,古希腊的历史,最早可以上溯到爱琴文化时期(约公元前3000年—约公元前1100年),但它最繁荣的时期是公元前5世纪至公元前4世纪中期,史称“古典时期”。

公元前146年,古希腊被罗马所灭亡。

古罗马的历史可以追溯到公元前8世纪—公元前6世纪的“伊达拉里亚时期”。

以后经历了“共和时期”(公元前509年—公元前30年)、“帝国时期”(公元前27年—公元476年),以“帝国时期”最为强盛。

两大文明在时间上几乎是承前启后,而在关系上两者却又因果纠缠。

诗人贺维斯曾说:“希腊人成了罗马人的俘虏,希腊文化俘虏了罗马人。

”古罗马人用武力击败希腊人一跃成为地中海霸主,然而古罗马的文化却几乎是完全传承与古希腊。

这一点无论是建筑、雕塑、哲学,都能看出端倪。

大部分文化成就,古罗马都是照搬古希腊人的。

这种文化上的照搬使罗马成为当时世界上最强大的国家之一,然而也使古罗马文明走向灭亡。

而我想从神话传说方面来对问题进行探讨。

古希腊文化中最为主要的部分就是对于神祗的崇拜,神话叙事几乎在每部希腊文学中都扮演了重要的角色,甚至形成了成系统的一套《神谱》(赫西俄德著)。

而以武力著称的罗马文明远远没有如此系统和繁荣的神话体系,所以在征服了希腊地区后,罗马人便将希腊神话纳入了自己的文化体系。

于是,希腊神话中的神王宙斯,在罗马文化中便成为了朱庇特;天后赫拉便成了朱诺、海神波塞冬成了尼普顿、酒神狄奥尼索斯变成了巴克斯……这种罗马文明对希腊文明的剽窃绝不仅仅是巧合,我们可以从很多方面来看待这种现象。

我眼中的西方文明史(西方文明史论文)

西方文明史期末作业Written by XHNWestern civilization in my eyes After learning this lesson for one term，I know a lot about western in many fields such as mythology、philosophy、festival and communication. How can I describe the western civilization? I think it’s one part full of amazing、wisdom、freedom and convert during the synchronous development of the western world.We have learnt several mythologies and I find that the “god” in western mythology is not a serious image, opposite, ZeuS, gods’ leader, always does m any self-willed things which sounds uncomfortable. Just because of it, the “god” makes people feel real and vivid. Not as our country, western people may prefer to believe gods is more similar to normal people, I think, at the least in emotion part.How about philosophy? We also know many philosopher from our country like Lao Tz and Chuang Tse, they usually spread their idea by teach others and write some book. But in ancient Greece, there are three famous philosopher called Socrates、Plato and Aristotle. They prefer to communicate with others than teach others what they think about. I think if we defined that Chinese philosophy likes teaching, then, western philosophy may likes debating. I should admit that the academic atmosphere in that time in western was good, I still remember there are a paint named “the school of Athens”, painted by Raphael, describe how crowd during the school, it reflect that at that time there are many people have huge thirst of knowledge, they have some topic such as “what made the world”、“what’s the resource of the world”…… In a word, the philosophy in western civilization usually make me associate freedom and holy, it’s one thing that you are willing to devote your whole life to learn.There is one well known book called “the Bible”, many festivals are come into being from this book, like Christmas and Easter Day, two festival which used to commemorate the born and revive of Jesus. Different from our country, most of the western festival is closely related with religion, we can see that the belief is too important for western people.As for communicate, I think it’s more affected by political system, freedom and open atmosphere full of the whole western world so that people can express personal opinion without any hesitate. I think it’s a good society custom and will do well for one country’s development.In my eyes, the western civilization is one thing that we would appreciate rather than study it. The civilization show us a glorious thing which created by human, we should know not only our country have broad and profound culture, but also the western world have, so we should learn from each other in mutual emulation.。

期末论文--西方文明史

浅谈罗马帝国衰落的原因一提起罗马，大家应该都不陌生，一个历史上强大的帝国，然而却也最终逃不过灭忙的下场，个中原因，众说纷纭。

而我在本学期选修了雷芳老师的西方文明史后，对于这一事件也有了一些自己的看法，便说说自己的浅见吧。

我个人认为一个国家的灭亡，无非是四个方面出现问题：政治，经济，军事和文化。

下面我就从这几个方面分析一下罗马帝国。

一，政治第一，罗马帝国时期，罗马的政治制度缺乏明确的继承法，因此后来出现很多继承上的矛盾，领导者换的频率是非常高的，这对于一个国家的稳定是非常不利的。

第二，中央集权的专制制度太严重，普通的公民缺少参与政治的机会，共和国下的公民变成了臣民，人们对国家漠不关心，也不再那么忠诚了。

第三，当时的贪污腐败问题也是相当严重，这加速了国家与普通民众的矛盾。

第四，赋税太过沉重，加重了人民的负担，让国家失去了更多的人民支持。

二，经济罗马的经济问题主要是由奴隶制度与劳动力短缺造成的。

第一，罗马帝国时期，城市里面的很多产品都是靠奴隶制造的，而伴随着罗马帝国版图的增大，战争停止了，也就俘获不了奴隶，奴隶的来源大大减少，劳动力开始不足。

第二，罗马帝国政治的腐败也带给经济更多的压力，比如贫富差距太大。

这也激化了不同阶级的矛盾。

三，军事第一，罗马人崇尚武力，喜欢到处征战。

在罗马帝国时期，罗马人的爱国心、荣誉感、民族精神、尚武精神，加上巨大经济利益的驱使和政治地位提高的诱惑，造就了罗马军队强大的战斗力。

但是，繁荣盛世也成为了腐败的温床，当罗马帝国没有敌人可以征服的时候，他们开始沉浸于安逸的生活，花天酒地的生活磨灭了罗马人的进取心，腐蚀了罗马军人的斗志。

第二，罗马强大的军事力量被用于个人目的。

尤其是在罗马帝国后期，腐败导致帝王对军队的倚重和骄宠，对军队的过分骄宠更加加剧了官兵的腐败，从而形成了一种恶性循环，这大大销蚀了罗马军队的战斗力。

帝国后期，许多帝王荒淫豪奢、腐化至极，贵族地主挥金如土，醉生梦死，致使民不聊生、政局动荡。

西方文明史论文

西方文明史论文The Italian Renaissance1.IntroductionRenaissance was first appeared in the center Italy and it brought up a series of changes and achievements in Europe from the end of 13th century to 1600, marking the transition between Medieval and Early Modern Europe. The word …Renaissance?means …rebirth? which actually indicates the birth of the new culture. The Renaissance is an age rather than an event. There is no moment at which the Middle Ages ended. Late medieval society was artistically creative, socially well developed, and economically diverse. Y et, eventually, the pace of change accelerated, and it is best to think of renaissance as an era of rapid transitions. (Kishlansky, Geary and Brien 208) The renaissance has not only made great contributions to literature, arts, architecture etc. but also its huge influence on politics and the leading role in bringing immense changes on people?s minds and recognition.2.Body2.1A Brief SummaryThe renaissance first appeared in Italy, and then quickly spread to other countries, notably France, and thence to Germany and England and Spain and the Low Countries (i.e. Holland and Belgium).Italy became the first country that posses the conditions mainly because the newly appear of the capitalism and the revival of the classic culture. From northern Italy to central, cities were playing a leading role in Europe. Thanks to their highly developed economy, the signs of capitalism and emerging of bourgeois firstshowed in these areas. Cities as Florence and V enice first becoming independent politically and thus established as the cities of republic were homes to many humanists. Either following the ancient Greek or Rome or combining the classic culture with the native culture in Italy then, they began to do researches and creative activities. They contributed not only to inheriting and introducing the old traditions but also to the secularizing progress of modern Europe.Encompassing the two centuries between 1350 and 1550, it passed throughthree distinct phases. The first, from 1350 to 1400, was characterized by a declining population, the uncovering of classical texts, and experimentation in a variety of art form. The second phase, from 1400 to 1500, was distinguished by the creation of a set of cultural values and artistic and literary achievements that defined Renaissance style. The large Italian city-states developed stable and coherent forms of government, and the warfare between them gradually ended. In the final period, from 1500 to 1550, invasions from France and Spain transformed political life, and the ideas and techniques of Italian writers and artists radiated to all points of the Continent.( Kishlansky, Geary and Brien 208)2.2The reason why Renaissance first appeared in ItalyⅠ.From the cultural perspective, the classic Roman conventions remained in Italy is stronger than any other country in Europe. During the whole middle ages, Italians regarded themselves as the descendants of the ancient Romans. Besides, some schools in Italy kept the Roman educational system.Ⅱ.The prosperity of trade with overseas markets enabled Italy to restored the ancient civilization. The commercial cities inItaly gain tremendous profits by doing business with the eastern countries. Until the 14th century, some of the cities in Italy (i.e. Naples, Florence, V enice, etc.) became the richest cities in the world. Driven by trade, Italy was greatly influenced by eastern cultures, especially Byzantine and Saracens?cultures. Most importantly was that after a long period, the ancient Roman culture rarely remained in the local Europe, while some books were preserved in the Byzantine and Arab. By trading with easterners, the manuscripts were returned to Italy and thus Italians became the first ones who had the opportunity to admire those classic contents.Ⅲ. The emergence of commerce destroyed the feudal system in Italy and created space for the development of cities and conditions for the development of new culture. The peasants left their land and got job opportunity in cities and the self-satisfied Fief System began to decline. The number of the establishment of cities stimulated the changing of the social system. The immense spending and large number of casualties of the Crusades lowered the reputation and authority of the Pope and the Church?scontrolling power over people had also descended. Cities became the dominant symbols of the major changes of the society which provided the proper environment for the modification of the civic culture.Ⅳ. The wealthy merchants in Late Medieval had special fondness on culture and they were willing to provide money voluntarily, which to some extent made it possible for Renaissance to develop in some big cities. In addition, the chiefs of churches and the leaders of various committees abandoned the convention of Abstinence and Ascetic and paid moreattention to these secular concepts. They pursued the luxury life as well as encouraged to expand their religion in secular ways.Ⅴ. The Rena issance was born in the political turmoil. When the Renaissance started, Italy was still not unified and was regarded as part of the Holy Roman Empire. The conflicts between the Italian Pope and the French King brought Italy into tens of little countries. The political chaos weakened the control of culture so it was easy for the formation of new ideas. Under such circumstances, Renaissance was in full swing.All in all, the process of the western society made room for the maturity of Renaissance. The towns and cities also introduced a new sense of social and political cohesiveness. The city was something to which people belonged. In urban areas, they would join social groups of their own choosing and developed networks of support that were not possible in rural environments. Blood relations remained the primary social group. Kin were the most likely source of aid in times of need, and charity began at home.2.3Influence on people?s lifeLife in Florence could be the typical one in the Renaissance period. As the birth place and the most important city at that time, Florence was a prosperous industrial city. Due to the various socialization, a series of social rules had been formulated.There were so many festivals celebrated in Italy and even today, Italy has more religious festivals than any other country. ( e .g . St. John?s Day, St. Peter?s Day and St. Paul?s Day ). The historic Carnival still keeps its attraction till today. The lively city life stimulated people?s pursuit of entertainment. They were no longerworked from dawn to dusk for the sake of happiness of their next life and the savior of their soul but for the instant benefitsand enjoyment. (Burk, Peter 435) In some Italian cities, wealth or occupation determined housing patterns. In others, like Florence, rich and poor lived side by side and identified themselves with their small administrative unit and with their local church. Thus, they could participate in relationships with others both above and below them in social scales. From their superiors they gained connections that helped their families; from their inferiors they gained devoted clients.A growing sense of civic pride and individual accomplishment were underlying characteristics of the Italian Renaissance, enhanced by the development of social cohesion and community solitary that both Church and city-state fostered, it is commonly held that the Renaissance was both elitist and male dominated, that it was an experience separate from that of the society at large,( Kishlansky, Geary and Brien 212)2.4The appearance of the giantsBorn in a family nearby Florence, Leonardo had a variety of interests when he was a child, especially in painting. Leonardo da Vinci?s creative genius embodied the Renaissance ideal of the “universal man.”His detailed anatomical drawings and the method he devised for rendering them, his botanical observations, and his engineering inventions testify to his unrestrained curiosity. His paintings reveal a continuation of the scientific application of mathematics to matters of proportion and perspective. Leonardo?s popular Mona Lisa, is quite possible the best-known picture in the Western World. It is a portrait of a pretty lady whose smile is the essence of the painting and is till a mystery to people nowadays. When looking at her smile, you will get a mixture feeling. Through her smile, Leonardo presented people with a mysterious inner world of a lady. The naturalbackground formed a perfect comparison of the lady?s beauty. Thus an ideal effect showed. The painting showed Leonardo?s humanism to its fullest.The David and the paintings of the Sistine Chapel were the work ofMichelangelo?s youth. His crowning achievement, the building of Saint Peter?s basilica in Rome, was the work of age. The base work of Saint Peter?s had already been laid, and drawings for its completion had been made thirty years early by Donato Bramante. Michelangelo altered these plans in an effort to bring more light into the church and to provide a more majestic fa?ade outside. His main contribution, however, was the design of the great dome, which centered the interior of the church on Saint Peter?s grave. More than the height, it is the harmony of Michelangelo?s design that creates the scene of the building thrusting upward like a Gothic cathedral of old. Michelangelo did not live to see the Saint Peter?s completed.Renaissance art served Renaissance society, reflecting both its concrete achievements and its visionary ideals. This art was a synthesis of old and new, building on classic models, particularly in sculpture and architecture, but adding newly discovered techniques and skills.Renaissance artists did more than construct and adorn buildings or celebrate or beautify spiritual life. Inevitably, their work expressed the ideals and the aspirations of the society in which they lived-the new emphasis on learning and knowledge, on the here and now rather than the hereafter, and most important, on humanity and its capacity for growth and perfection.William Shakespeare stands out as the most outstandingmaster of literature as well as the highest achievements of the Renaissance period. According to the development of his works, his writing career could be divided into three stages. During the first period, he mainly focused on historian plays, comedies and poems. Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Twelfth Night and The Merchants of Venice were all based on love. The most famous one was Romeo and Juliet which depicted the love story between two young people who fell in love with each other but at the same time they were faced with the conflict of their families. The second period was famous for his four tragedies. During this period, his ideal of humanism was in serious collision with the reality. The tragedy of Hamlet was a reflection of the progress and the weakness of humanists.2.5The decline of the RenaissanceThe Italian Renaissance reached its peak in the mid 16th century and then began its declining process that many humanists and genius had passed away in the middle 16th century. Besides, the prosperity of the cultures in every nation had caused unexpected consequences.The most important reason is the end of stability with a series of foreign invasions of Italy known as the Italian Wars that would continue for several decades. These began with the 1494 invasion by France that wreaked widespread devastation on Northern Italy and ended the independence of many of the city-states. Most damaging was the May 6, 1527, Spanish and German troops' sacking Rome that for two decades all but ended the role of the Papacy as the largest patron of Renaissance art and architecture. (Baron, Hans 212)3ConclusionThe grand ideas and the splendid culture of the ItalianRenaissance attracted the worldwide attention. Taking place in the period of Europe?s transition from middle age to modern age, the Italian Renaissance led people?s epiphany in science, humanism, art and society. The spiritual treasure the masters created will be the invaluable property for the European as well as the whole world. Many masterpieces of that time have become milestones which can only be emulated but cannot be overwhelmed.In all, the Italian Renaissance?s significance has far overweighed any event before and set a new era of civilization for all the humans.W orks CitedMark Kishlansky, Patrick Geary and Patricia O?Brien, A Brief History of Western Civilization: The Unfinished Legacy 中国人民大学出版社，2008Baron, Hans.The Crisis of the Early Italian Renaissance: Civic Humanism and Republican Liberty in an Age of Classicism and Tyranny.Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1966Burke, Peter. The Italian Renaissance: Culture and Society in Italy Princeton University Press, 1999.。

西方文明史论文

亚历山大与希腊化时代“希腊化”（Hellenistic）一词意即“希腊似的”，主要是指希腊文明随着希腊统治的扩张而传播到东方各地，东方被希腊化了。

开启希腊化时代的主角是马其顿人。

马其顿地处希腊的东北边缍，这个偏辟落后的小国是怎样崛起、进而发展成为一个地域辽阔的大国的呢？亚历山大又是怎样在他的帝国内传播希腊文化的呢？亚历山大又对希腊化时代做出什么养的贡献呢？公元前四世纪后半叶。

正当希腊腹地发展了200年的城邦政治制度日趋衰微之时，腓力二世领导下的马其顿王国即蓬勃崛起、一技独秀。

腓力选择借鉴了希腊城邦和波斯帝国的经验，对马其顿的政治制度和币制进行了改革。

公元前338年，马其顿在克罗尼亚战役，进一步挫败了以雅典、底比斯为首的反马其顿盟军，迫使几乎全希腊都承认了他的霸权。

此后，腓力又拟订了进一步开疆拓土的战略方针，他在希腊的拥护者号召把战争引向亚洲，把财富夺回希腊，并举行了向波斯宣战的集会。

公元前336年，壮志未酬的腓力遇刺身亡。

“亚力山大是马其顿国王腓力二世的儿子，也就是该国的王子，他实际上是杀死他父亲之后登上王位的，接着便开始了他惊人的征服之旅，很大程度上是受波斯人在公元前五世纪入侵希腊、洗劫雅典的启发，亚历山大生活在公元前四世纪中叶，大约是波斯战争一百多年后，他随后开始了惩罚波斯帝国的征程。

”（澳大利亚悉尼大学博士丹·坡茨）雄才大略的亚历山大是人类历史上第一位所向披靡、横扫欧亚非的军事天才。

“公元前334年，以亚历山大为首的希腊东征军跨过了赫勒斯滂海峡，在格拉尼库斯河畔首战告捷，第二年又在叙利亚的伊苏斯平原，大败十万波斯军，俘虏了波斯国大流士三世的母亲、妻子和两个女儿。

”（中国人民大学历史系副教授米辰峰）然后亚历山大挥师南下，迅速攻占了腓尼基、巴勒斯坦，兵不血刃、占领了埃及。

“厚颜无耻的埃及法老神庙祭司立刻尊奉亚历山大为阿蒙神之子，埃及法老的合法继承人。

在平定了埃及以后，亚历山大又挥师北上，在公元前331年，在亚述古都尼尼微的附近高加美拉与号称百万的波斯大军展开了决战，开战不久，波斯国王大流士三世又一次弃阵逃跑、全军溃散。

西方文明史读本读后感-西方文明史论文

西方文明史读本读后感-西方文明史论文西方文明史 What Happened in Europe after the Second World WarWith Germany and Japanese defeated,the second world war, which took more lives and caused more destruction than any other war in history, finally came to the main battle field, most of Europe lay in ruins. There was a lot of work to do to restore Europe.The war stroke a deadly blow to Europe in the second world war, millions of people were homeless, the European economy had been destroyed. The war forced the people development to go backwards several years. The common people is the most innocent and heaviest war cost the United Kingdom more than a quarter of its national wealth. As a result, Britains debt was described by some in the American administration as a " millstone round the neck of the British economy"(Dorothy Crisp); As the main murder of the war, German had to spare no effort to pay reparations. Hilters guilty left the poor Germany nothing but a broken-down stall. Certainly, the other European countries experienced the same tragic story and triedtheir best to recover collapsed economy. Thanks to the Marshall Plan from the United States, the European economy began to save itself out of its economic economic historian Herman Van der Wee concludes the Marshall Plan was a great success:"It gives a new impetus to reconstruction in Western Europe and made a decisive contribution to the renewal of the transport system, the modernization of industrial and agricultural equipment, the resumption of normal production, the raising of productivity, and the facilitating of intra-European trade."In return of the Marshal Plan ,European countries must follow the US to prevent Communism and the USSR, which the US was beginning to regard as its biggest enemy.Politically, the war seriously undermined the ability of Germany, Britain and France to continue playing the leading role in the world. Without the support of advanced economy and mighty military, the traditional powerful empire lost the ability to dominate the Europe. It followed that, the new two superpowers took their place, and became the new rulerof the ,German was divided into two parts, the east part,which had a Communism government, dominated by the USSR, and the west part, which was a democratic state, was under the yoke of the Berlin Wall was the unforgettable hurtThe cold war between the two superpower spread the whole Europe, which arose panic among the people. They worried about a new war broke out. At that time, the situation of the world was just like a chess game, the US and the USSR are the two players, the rest of the world were their chessman, including Europe who had lost the right to express their voice.On the other hand, Europe no longer had the financial and military capacity to expand their vast territories in Asia and generally was labeled "decolonization" because of the decline of European colonial and the rise of the third British pulled out of India in 1947, leaving behind two new countries of India and Pakistan. Burma, Sri Lanka and Malaysia followed the road of independence not long after. The Dutch fought a losing war but finally conceded independence to Indonesia, the former Dutch East Indies,in 1949. France tried to regain its colonies in Indochina but was forced out in 1954 after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Vietnamese forces. The Europeans African empires crumbled in the 1950s and early 1960s. The United Nations grew from 51 nations in 1945 to 189 by the end of the century(Margaret MacMillan).The age when the western powers controlled is over. The people of Asia and Africa can guide their own destinies.The war changed the role of Europe, but the current Europe where locate the most developed countries , is still the main artery of the world.Works CitedHerman Van der Wee, Prosperity and Upheaval: The World Economy, 1945-1980 (1984) p. 44Margaret MacMillan "Rebuilding the world after the second world war" The Guardian, Friday 11 September 2016Dorothy Crisp,The Dominance of England, Holborn Publishing, London 1960, pages 22-26,西方文明史作业遥想当年---古希腊文明与文艺复兴的异同点分析古希腊文明与文艺复兴在人类的历史文化中都占有很重要的地方，当历史的长河流淌至今，让我们再次通过的理性的分析来解读一下人类文化历史上两颗摧残的明珠。

西方文明史论文

罗马帝国衰落的原因罗马帝国（前27年—395年），正式名称为元老院与罗马人民，是古罗马文明的一个阶段。

罗马的不断扩张使其成为一个帝国。

安东尼王朝皇帝图拉真（公元98年-117年）在位时，罗马帝国版图达到最大，经济空前繁荣，西起西班牙、不列颠，东到幼发拉底河上游、南自非洲北部，北达莱茵河与多瑙河一带，地中海成为帝国的内海，全盛时期控制了大约590万平方公里的土地，是世界古代史上最大的君主制国家之一。

395年，罗马帝国一分为二，实行永久分治。

西罗马帝国于476年灭亡，东罗马帝国于1453年灭亡。

偌大的一个强大的帝国是如何历经了分裂、灭亡的呢？狄奥多西一世在392年瓦伦提尼安二世被杀后，宣布基督教为国教，反对一切异教和异端。

狄奥多西一世在394年击败了西部的篡位者欧根尼乌斯后，成为了帝国的唯一统治者，这是罗马帝国的最后一次统一。

此年的罗马统治下的人口有3600万人。

395年狄奥多西去世，他把帝国一分为二，东部分给长子阿卡狄乌斯，西部分给幼子霍诺里乌斯。

东西罗马帝国分裂后，哥特人首领阿拉里克在东北亚游牧民族匈奴族人的强大压力下不断入侵罗马帝国。

而东西罗马帝国不是团结起来一致抗敌，而是坐视阿拉里克强大，希望他去攻击对方。

405年冬，阿拉里克和匈奴联军突破了罗马帝国的莱茵河防线，罗马并无有效的抵抗，实际上等于放弃了高卢的大部分地区。

407年，驻守不列颠的将领君士坦丁三世造反，西罗马帝国皇帝霍诺里乌斯企图使阿拉里克去攻击君士坦丁三世，阿拉里克要求4000磅黄金为代价。

随后，由于霍诺里乌斯先答应而后食言，阿拉里克和匈奴联军入侵意大利，霍诺里乌斯从米兰逃亡到拉韦纳。

阿拉里克南下，围困了罗马。

罗马城内爆发了饥荒和瘟疫，元老院和阿拉里克媾和，交出了5000磅黄金、30000磅白银一起其他许多贵重物品和财宝。

409年，阿拉里克和匈奴联军第二次包围罗马，扶立了一个傀儡皇帝，而龟缩在拉韦纳的霍诺里乌斯在东罗马帝国的支援下才保住皇位。

西方文化导论论文

In my opinion, the Ancient Greek Culture is one of the most shining parts in the western culture. It can be looked on as the start of the western civilization and the end of the barbarous age.Without the Greek Culture as the foundation, the development of the western countries can’t be so outstanding in the world.When we talk about the Ancient Greece, its democracy, economy, and colorful culture always occur to our minds.DemocracyAs early as the 6th century BC, the archon solon tried to reduce the power of the old aristocrats by establishing the jury system for legal judgments in order to restrict the rights of nobility. Then Cleisthenes carried out the legislative reform, by establishing the boule which was composed of five hundred representatives selected from each of ten demes. We should feel surprised at the high standard of the democracy. Even today, the democracy system is still in use.In America, the President Selection through the Senate and House of representatives just can’t be a better e xample of the great influence of the Greek democracy. The strength of the democracy system can reflect the power of people to some degree. What’s more, it makes a great contribution to the development of western politics.EconomyAs it’s known to all, good politics may have a positive effect on the economy. In the Ancient Greece, it proved to be true The economy of increasing prosperity .In this period, the use of iron tools instead of bronze ones leaded the further economic development .So the society was restructured, along class lines，based on the property ownership . City-states come into being, in this way, the civilization of Ancient Greece continued.CultureIt’s generally acknowledged that the Greek Culture is the most precious treasure left not only for Europe but also for the whole world.It falls into four categories, namely the Greek mythology and religion, the Greek art and science, the Greek literature, and the Greek philosophy.i.Greek mythologyAre you familiar with these names, such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo. They are the names of some major gods in the Greek mythology. According to Karl Marx, the Greek mythology is not only a treasure house, but also the soil for Greek art.So it’s certain that the religious tales became fully developed myths and thus contributed a lot to the later development of Greek art.In the Greek mythology, we can find numerous characteristics in the gods and goddesses. Sometimes we may find many tales reflected the feature and life of human beings.ii.Greek art and scienceWe can’t ignore the Greek art and science achievements because they are so amazing. Towards us, they’re so important in fully understanding the Greek Culture. The Greek art is made up of three main parts, they’re architecture, sculpture, and painting.You can find noble simplicity and calm grandeur from the greatest building in Athens, the Parthenon. In addition, you can also find the kindred art of vase decoration which will make you astonished.Then what about the science? As we know, the Greeks did three biggest things: astronomy, philosophy, and democracy. We can draw a conclusion that the geography, astronomy, and mathematics achievements were all remarkable.In this period, there’re some prestigious scholars. Pytheasapplied his solid scientific training primarily to geography. Hipparchus, he perfected measuring instruments and calculated the movements of stars .Another ever greater achievements are in mathematics and physics. The best known mathematician was Euclid who established the science of plan geometry. The other familiar name is Archimedes who discovered the principle of floatation and lever. His famous words “Give me a piece to stand, I will move the earth” impressed me most.iii.Greek literature and historyThe Greek literature is well-established for its epic, lyrical poetry, and drama. The most out-standing epics are Odyssey and Iliad written by Homer. The Trojan War takes up the most part. So we can see the epics related with the history. The person who is “the father of history” na med Herodotus. With his book Histories, which deals with the Persian Wars.Thanks to their works, we can fully witness what has happened during this time.iv.Greek philosophyWhen we talk about “Platonic Love”, we can think of the famous Plato, besides his teacher Socrates.Socrates had a reputation for irony and a sense of humor. And in my view, the Republic is his representative. In this work, Plato built up an ideal kingdom for us, his thoughts made much influence on the followers.Have you heard abou t “I love my teacher, but I love science more”. This is from Aristotle, he was regarded as the greatest thinker and most learned person of ancient times. His works cover wide ranging areas including philosophy, psychology, logic, rhetoric, literary, etc. His thoughts were completely different from Plato. He was a materialist. He indeed made great contribution to the Greek philosophy.Owing to this class: “Western Culture Introduction”, it makes megain a good knowledge of Greek Culture. We marvel at so many wonderful achievements made by the people in the old times. Meanwhile, I believe we can benefit a lot from the Greek Culture, and treasure it forever.。

我眼中的西方史小论文500字中文版

我眼中的西方史小论文500字中文版
我眼中的西方史之希腊
在文化特征上和时间上，似乎离我们很遥远。

对于一名学设计的学生来说，希腊的文明和艺术文化却又是常常被提到的，因此这次考试我选定的方向是希腊的文明和艺术文化。

古希腊文化作为古典文化代表，在西方乃至世界都占有极其重要地位，而希腊文化是西方文明三大源头之一，西方精神生活和社会生活形式的胚芽差不多都能在古希腊找到。

那么，希腊文化的精神是什么呢？
希腊人是奔放的，拥有所谓的“酒神情绪”。

但比起其他民族，理性色彩还是比较突出的。

希腊人“培养思想，使自己不受制于热情、迷信及恐惧，而且从沉思和领悟中追寻人类生活里所可获得的最平凡的幸福。

”希腊人对神的态度与其说是崇拜不如说追求向往。

人甚至敢开神的玩笑。

这种理性主义使得苏格拉底可以为真理喝下毒酒。

“贤哲的人，而非勇士或圣徒，乃希腊人生命的顶点和极致。

”德谟克利特曾说：“我宁愿（在几何学上）发现一项证明，而不要波斯的王座。

”在希腊的科学、哲学等著作中，我们到处可以呼吸到一种宁静的沉思的空气。

希腊人将这运用到哲学，思考世界的本原，探讨悖论的逻辑；运用到科学，研究杠杆、滑轮、浮力，发现数的奥秘。

希腊理性精神的深入就是彻底地反思和怀疑，上天
入地的追寻事物的最终极真理。

苏格拉底承认自己无知而又彻底地求真知的精神一直在激励着西方。

古希腊人在似乎杂乱无章的世界中发现了规律，并提出各种关于规律的假定———“是”，然后让这个假定的所有细节在所有的层次上经受自己和别人的质疑，以考验这个假设是不是“真是”。

这种彻底求真的精神终于孕育出了西方科学。

西方文明简史论文

Yuan Xinping 201011331310 ActuarialEnlightenment:The "light" of TruthAs I will study in France(bordeneax ----Montesquieu's hometown)as an exchange student next spring ,I'd like to analyse and summarize some information about Enlightenment ,.Just as Miss Xi once said,France was actually the center of the Enlightenment,and Paris was the capital of European culture.Kant had ever said"dare to know！Have the courage to use your own intelligence!"--Maybe this is the motto of Enlightenment. The 18th century marked the beginning of this intellectual movement，which was on the whole，an expression of struggle of bourgeoisie against feudalism. The enlighteners fought against class inequality，prejudice and other survivals of feudalism. They attempted to place all branches of science at the service of mankind by connecting them with the actual needs and requirements of people。

“西方文明史”期末论文

“西方文明史”期末考查期末采用大作业形式进行考查，分两部分：I. 这学期你选修这门课的主要收获；II.在以下题目中，任选一题写一篇短论：1，为什么许多西方人心怀“古希腊情结”？2，为什么说美是古希腊文化的最高理想？3，中世纪是黑暗时代吗？4，试就古希腊艺术与中世纪艺术做一对比，并分析导致其不同面貌的原因。

5，文艺复兴为什么可以说是思想文化领域内的一场“哥白尼革命”？6，如何理解法国哲学家笛卡尔提出的“I think, therefore I am”？7，谈谈你对自由的理解。

8，你如何评价启蒙理性的得失？如何看待文明发展中利弊相参的吊诡现象？9，西方历史上有许多神学家从各种不同角度来论证上帝的存在，但尼采在《苏鲁支语录》中说上帝死了，上帝唯一可以原谅的地方是，他并不存在。

试论尼采这一思想对现代西方文化的影响。

10，试论现代性与传统的对立。

11，试论现代性与大众文化的对立。

12，结合某一具体文学艺术作品谈谈你对现代派艺术的感受。

13，何为大众文化？你对它持何种态度？14，有学者认为，现在的问题已不是西方文明能否继续存在下去，而是是否应该继续生存下去。

他们是在什么背景下做出此类置疑的？你认为他们是否有吹毛求疵之嫌？15，你认为不同文化是样式的不同还是等级的高低？为什么？16，试从文化多元论出发，对哈佛大学教授亨廷顿的文明冲突论做一评论。

17，谈谈宽容在构建和谐的人际关系乃至处理不同文明关系中的作用。

【注意】1，期末作业占学期总分的70%，平时的到课率及课堂答问、讨论占30%。

2，作业应包括以上一、二两个部分。

各部分的篇幅，自己分配比例。

3，两部分总字数不能少于2,000字，也不要超过3,500字。

请尽量简洁明了，字数超出太多将给成绩带来不利影响。

4，两部分的区别：第二部分个人色彩较少，论述时应做到有理有据。

第一部分不怕写得没有系统，可以仅仅是一种最直接的感受、印象，也可以是体会、启发、疑问、意见、建议等等，还可以评说对哪些部分感兴趣，哪些内容听不懂。

中外文明史论文

欧洲文明史欧洲文明源于古希腊的爱琴文明，在其逐步发展和完善的过程中，慢慢形成了差额选举制、任期制、议会制、比例代表制等等一系列的民主制度。

其中雅典是整个希腊民主制度的典范，尤其是在执政官伯利克里执政时期，不仅完善和发展了这些民主制度，而且又逐步形成了一些民主机构如公民大会、五百人议事会等，这些都保证了民主掌握在大多数人的手中。

古希腊民主在尽情发挥自己伟大历史作用、促成雅典政治、经济、文化臻于极盛的同时，又残忍地窒息和扼杀了社会另一部分成员自由发展的能力。

它还剥夺了本邦妇女参政的权利。

所以它既是人类文明的催化剂，又是社会不公的暴力机器。

它给世界文明宝库带进无价之宝，又招致属国属民的怨恨。

这是雅典民主政治的最大局限。

此外，雅典民主是一种直接民主制，同近现代的代议制民主不同，它只能在一个小邦范围内实行，而且直接民主很易滑入极端民主的泥淖。

与此同时，不仅是民主制度在发展，古希腊的文化也是相当繁盛的，不仅产生了泰勒斯、苏格拉底、柏拉图、亚里士多德、欧几里德等非常著名，对后世有巨大影响的学者；还有以巴特农神庙和雅典卫城为代表的建筑群；当然也有我们所熟知的雕刻艺术以及家喻户晓的古希腊神话。

古希腊的政治与文化对后世产生了深远的影响，尤其是对欧洲。

随着古希腊文明的衰落，古罗马慢慢的发展起来，依靠凯撒、庞培以及屋大维等人的东征西讨，逐步建立了一个环绕地中海的巨大帝国。

古罗马也有其特有的政治制度。

罗马法便是其中一项不朽的成就。

罗马法主要包括了《十二铜表法》和查士丁尼法典。

《十二铜表法》是古罗马第一部成文法典，是古罗马固有习惯法的汇编，它总结了前一阶段的习惯法，并为罗马法的发展奠定了基础，是“一切公法和私法的渊源”。

许多世纪以来，《十二铜表法》被认为是罗马法的主要渊源。

但它只是在一定限度内维护平民的利益，仍然保留了一些野蛮的习惯法。

它内容相当广泛，条纹比较清晰，标志着罗马成文法的诞生；审判、量刑皆有法可依，在一定程度上限制了贵族的特权与专横，保护了平民的利益；但也保留了一些比较野蛮的习俗。

西方文明史论文

古罗马的交通发展古罗马一度成为当时最强盛的国家之一，这与它四通八达的交通是密不可分的，谚语“条条大路通罗马”流传至今也足以证明古罗马交通之发达。

古罗马的交通方式主要分为道路交通和海运两种。

在道路交通方面，由罗马城向四面八方辐射的道路，成为帝国交通的典型代表。

这些道路的路基主要由碎石、沙子和三合土铺成，在最上面铺上石块；由于意大利半岛上随处可见的石灰岩地形，使得路基的主要成分变得像混凝土，大道两旁设有排水用的水沟，使得道路经久耐用。

现在的法国、西班牙、意大利的部分地区都还在使用罗马时期修建的道路。

古罗马道路的宽度因道路的具体用途而有所不同。

重要性较低的道路可能只宽 1米左右，用于军事用途的大道则可达到4至6 米，而在道路与城门的接口处，为了方便人们通行，防止人口过多而引起交通堵塞，道路的宽度甚至可达 15 米。

在一些特殊的地段修路，古罗马也有突出的表现。

古罗马在造桥和开凿隧道上展现出高超的技术能力，如公元前3世纪，罗马人就掌握了拱券技术并迅速运用于桥梁建设中，此后桥梁的建造基本上采用石制结构，石拱桥被大量建造；在开凿隧道方面，古罗马有成套的钻探、挖坑、掘巷道、照明、通风、打桩、运送和测量的新方法，有研究者认为直到中世纪晚期的时候，世界上还没有国家能与之比肩。

虽然有较多的道路，但是从恺撒至康茂德，禁止有轮车辆在白天通行，人们只好步行，或乘坐奴隶抬行的轿子或担架。

较远的路程，人们则骑马和坐在马拉的驿车或四轮马车上。

乘坐驿马旅行车，平均每天可行60英里。

最初，一些罗马城市的街道相对狭窄，加上人口众多，道路拥堵的情况十分严重。

在之后的城市规划中，罗马吸取教训，更加重视城市生活各方面的需要。

在奥古斯都统治期间，罗马就建立起了帝国的邮递系统――驿站。

合理的驿站间距也充分表现出道路对自然环境和沿途人口及其发展情况的适应。

古罗马的海运也有十分繁荣。

据说古罗马拥有百余条商道供商船航行。

阿特纳奥斯所形容的一艘运粮船420英尺长，船上有一根57英尺长的船辐，这只是相当例外的一个。

西方文明史感悟英文作文

西方文明史感悟英文作文英文：When I look back on the history of Western civilization, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Thejourney of Western civilization has been filled with triumphs and tribulations, and it has shaped the world in countless ways. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, the story of Western civilization is one of innovation, progress, and thepursuit of knowledge.One of the most striking aspects of Westerncivilization is its ability to adapt and evolve over time. For example, during the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in art, literature, and science, which led to a period of great cultural and intellectual growth. This period of rebirth and rejuvenation laid the foundation for many of the ideas and values that we hold dear today.Another key characteristic of Western civilization is its commitment to individualism and freedom. Throughout history, the Western world has been a beacon of liberty and democracy, championing the rights of the individual and the importance of personal autonomy. This commitment to individualism has led to the development of diverse and vibrant societies, where people are free to express themselves and pursue their own dreams and aspirations.However, it's also important to acknowledge the darker moments in the history of Western civilization. The legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and slavery has left a lasting impact on the world, and it's a reminder that progress often comes with a cost. It's crucial to confront and learn from the mistakes of the past in order to build a better future for all.In conclusion, the history of Western civilization is a complex tapestry of triumphs and challenges, and it continues to shape the world in profound ways. By embracing the lessons of the past and striving for a more just and equitable future, we can ensure that the legacy of Westerncivilization is one of progress and enlightenment.中文：当我回顾西方文明史时，我不禁感到敬畏和惊叹。

中外文明史论文

古希腊文明史古希腊是西方文明的主要源头之一。

持续了将近千年的文化也成为西方文明最直接同时也是最重要的源泉。

当然这里的希腊并不是一个国家的概念，而是对于一片区域的整体称谓。

希腊半岛，爱琴海爱奥尼亚海上的一些岛屿极其群岛等都属于古希腊的地域范畴。

有历史记载，古希腊是西方文化的诞生地。

当然这就离不开古希腊辽阔的地域了公元5 6 世纪。

特别是希波战争以后，随着经济生活的高度繁荣。

希腊文化变得更加的光辉灿烂。

它囊括哲学思想，诗歌，建筑，文学，戏剧，神话等诸方面。

这一文化在古希腊灭亡之后，被古罗马人破坏性的延续下去了。

也就因此，有了希腊文化是西方文化的诞生地之说。

开端：公元前2000 年，爱琴文明发祥于克里特岛。

后来逐渐的随着人口的迁徙，文化也被带到了希腊半岛，逐渐的希腊半岛也成了文明的中心。

古希腊紧邻爱琴海和地中海。

海洋文明也是诞生于此。

随着人么对于生活技能的的进一步掌握，各种应用的工具也是新型产生。

新石器时代的出现，青铜器海上贸易的进一步繁荣。

前776年的奥林匹克运动会的召开标志着古希腊文明进入兴盛时代。

希波战争：在希腊城邦向外的扩张的时候，西方的波斯帝国也是不断的扩张自己的势力。

公元前499年，小亚细亚半岛上的米利都等希腊城邦发动起义反抗波斯帝国的扩张，而这也就是希波战争的导火索。

公元前490年，早马拉松战役中，希腊城邦战胜波斯帝国取得了希波战争的第一场胜利。

第二场战场发生在公元前480年，虽说在此次的战役转战海上。

希腊虽在温泉关足迹波斯军队失败，但是希腊军队在时间上取得了先机。

希腊海军在萨拉米海战中一举击溃波斯帝国的军队，以此希波战争以希腊的胜利而告终。

希腊衰亡：在希波战争结束以后，雅典借势成为希腊城邦的霸主。

而更多的小国选择遵从。

当然，雅典也不会白放霸权，它依靠自己的权主势，还是会欺压一定的小国。

其中波罗奔瓦尼撒同盟就不满雅典的某些行为，从而引发冲突。

虽然最后雅典以其强大的优势压倒小国。

但是越来越多的小国选择同盟去挑战雅典。

西方文明史论文

古希腊神话（学院：电气工程学院班级:自动化0805 姓名）摘要：古希腊神话主要包括神的故事和英雄传说两部分，是古希腊文化的起点，是古希腊文学的土壤，也是此后的诗歌、悲剧等都以神话和英雄传说的题材，它对于后代作家也有重要的影响。

其中的十二个主神都有鲜明的性格与七情六欲，他们具有人的性格和情绪，具有超人的特殊本领。

古希腊人崇拜众多神祗。

每个城邦都有各自的神祗，并建立庙宇来崇拜他们的偶像。

有关众神的故事往往各有各的说法。

同一位神，在一个城邦或地区具有一组特征，但在别处可能具有全然不同的特征。

所以同一个神话会有几个不同的说法。

古希腊神话故事的形成时期很早，是远古一代代人集体创作的结晶。

神话起初口传，后来见之于书面文字。

它的最早的传世书面文献当推荷马史诗。

史诗中除了主体故事外，还提及了许多其他的神话故事，那些故事显然在当时已是广为流传、普遍知晓的。

在荷马之后不久有古希腊诗人赫西奥德的长诗《神谱》，扼要地记述了许多神话故事，并且力匿把那些故事谱系化。

古希腊悲剧的题材基本都是取材于神话，是作家对那些神话故事的现实理解的戏剧体现。

公元前三世纪之后希腊化时期的亚历山大里亚学者们在对古典作品的收集和注疏中，对古希腊神话的收集和保存作出了巨大的贡献，一些诗人则在学识性原则的指导下，发掘出许多鲜为人知的神话典故。

当时，古希腊人处于低级的社会发展阶段，知识不足，生产水平低下，生活艰难。

有一则神话是这样说的，国王坦塔罗斯受到神的惩罚，浸在齐劲的深水中，身旁有果树。

他低头喝水，水即退去，伸手取果，树即避开，他永远受着饥渴的煎熬。

这则富于哲理的故事描绘了在自然和社会中受到折磨并感到迷惘的古希腊人的形象。

在这种条件下，他们只能借助于想象来认识自然现象和社会现象。

这样，就产生了神话。

希腊神话主要包括神的故事和英雄传说两部分。

神的故事主要是包括关于开天辟地、神的产生、神的谱系、天上的改朝换代、人类的起源和神的日常活动的故事。

在古希腊人的想象中，山川林木，日月海陆，以至雨后的彩虹，河畔的水仙，都是神的身影；生死病死，祸福成败，都取决于神的意志，他们创造了庞大的神的家族。

西方文明史论文

文艺复兴是思想领域的一场“哥白尼革命”西欧的中世纪是个特别“黑暗的时代”。

基督教教会成了当时封建社会的精神支柱，它建立了一套严格的等级制度，把上帝当做绝对的权威。

文学、艺术、哲学一切都得遵照基督教的经典——《圣经》的教义，谁都不可违背，否则，宗教法庭就要对他制裁，甚至处以死刑。

在教会的管制下，中世纪的文学艺术死气沉沉，科学技术也没有什么进展。

黑死病在欧洲的蔓延，也加剧了人们心中的恐慌，使得人们开始怀疑宗教神学的绝对权威。

恩格斯曾在《自然辩证法》中评价哥白尼的《天体运行论》说：“自然科学借以宣布其独立并且好像是重演路德焚烧教谕的革命行动，便是哥白尼那本不朽著作的出版，他用这本书（虽然是胆怯地而且可说是只在临终时）来向自然事物方面的教会权威挑战，从此自然科学便开始从神学中解放出来”。

哥白尼的“日心说”是天文学领域的一场革命，他突破了托勒密的“地心说”，由于时代的局限，虽然哥白尼的观点并不完全正确，但是他的理论的提出给人类的宇宙观带来了巨大的变革。

哥白尼的学说改变了那个时代人类对宇宙的认识，而且动摇了欧洲中世纪宗教神学的理论基础。

由此，哥白尼与文艺复兴都是反对神学，向神学挑战的正义的革命。

恩格斯也曾高度评价“文艺复兴”在历史上的进步作用。

他写道：“这是一次人类从来没有经历过的最伟大的、进步的变革，是一个需要巨人而且产生了巨人——在思维能力、热情和性格方面，在多才多艺和学识渊博方面的巨人的时代。

”（一）首先是人的发现。

与中世纪对比，文艺复兴在意识形态领域内带来了一系列巨大的变化。

最突出的是人价值观念的转变。

在中世纪，理想的人应该是自卑、消极、无所作为的。

文艺复兴发现了人和人的伟大，肯定了人的价值和创造力，提出人要获得解放，个性应该自由。

要求发挥人的聪明才智及创造性潜力，反对消极的无所作为的人生态度。

在文学艺术上要求表达人的感情，反对虚伪和矫揉造作。

如：彼特拉克的《歌集》，薄伽丘的《十日谈》。

这种不可抑制的求知欲和追根究底的探求精神，对一切事物都要研究个究竟，决不满足于一知半解的精神，为创造现世的幸福而奋斗的乐观进取精神，把人们从中世纪基督教神学的桎梏下解放出来，资产阶级正是在这种精神的指引下创造近代资本主义世界的。

西方文化史论文

文艺复兴时期的人文主义思潮与文学艺术成就文艺复兴运动肇始于意大利，人文主义思潮也首先从意大利兴起。

这主要是由于意大利最先具备了人文主义诞生的两个基本条件：资本主义萌芽与古典文化的复活。

意大利北部和中部的商业城市在世纪以前一直处于欧洲领先地位，商品经济非常发达，资本主义萌芽和新兴资产阶级首先在这里产生。

佛罗伦萨、威尼斯等城市，取得了政治上的独立，建立了城市共和国。

具有资本主义性质的城市生活，是一种与中世纪宗教生活相对立的世俗生活，它成为人文主义诞生的现实社会基础。

意大利是古代罗马的统治中心，它受希腊一罗马古典文化的影响也最为直接和巨大。

意大利不仅在其本土保存了大量古典文化遗产，如古典建筑遗迹藏书丰富的王侯藏书室和教堂图书馆等，而且因其东西方经济文化交流的发达而从拜占廷和阿拉伯获得了大量古典文化书籍。

意大利古典文化的复活首先从罗马法的复兴开始，它是顺应意大利商品经济发展的需要而产生的。

以波伦那大学为首的罗马法研究，是人文主义诞生的一个重要根源。

意大利大学教育的世俗性很强，主要是为解决政府和管理部门的实际及具体问题服务，因而法学、医学、文法及修辞等教育十分发达，神学和形而上学的研究并不占重要地位。

学生们在学习和研究罗马法的过程中，还要学习文法和修辞，以便为法庭的辩论服务。

在老师和学生们的辩论中，经常引用古代罗马的范例，并且结合现实来发表议论，这就形成了运用古典知识来评论或抨击时政的风气，其中所蕴含的精神即人文主义精神。

到世纪，随着资本主义萌芽和资产阶级的兴起，这种人文主义精神有了它的社会和阶级基础，借古典文化复兴来进行反封建斗争的文艺复兴运动便蓬勃发展起来了。

意大利是欧洲文艺复兴的发源地和中心，涌现出了一大批人文主义思想家，如但丁、彼特拉克、卜伽丘、乔托、达芬奇、拉斐尔、米开朗基罗、乔尔乔内、提香、马基雅维里、康帕内拉等人文主义思潮从意大利扩展到整个西欧，贯穿于文艺复兴运动的始终。

新兴资产阶级知识分子以人文主义为武器，对封建教会和神学进行了猛烈的抨击。