What Happened During The Borgia's Reign?

• The Italian Renaissance was a time of great cultural change and achievement in Europe. It began the opening phase of the Renaissance, spanning the period from the end of the 13th century to about 1600, marking the transition between Medieval and Early Modern Europe.

• In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail across the Atlantic to discover "The New World"

• Quintessential Renaissance man Niccolò Machiavelli allegedly based his most famous work, The Prince, on Cesare Borgia. This timeless classic is responsible for bringing the term "Machiavellian" into wide usage.

• This period of Italian history is best known for its cultural and artistic achievements. Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper", Raphael's "The School of Athens", and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling are some of the masterpieces of this time.

• It was commonplace for Popes to have concubines.

• Poisoning one's enemies was considered a gentleman's way of removing political obstacles.

Pendulum

Discovered in 1581 by Italian scientist Galileo, the pendulum greatly improved the science of timekeeping. Clocks utilizing the new device were accurate to within seconds a day, compared to the 10 to 15 minute margin of error common to earlier timepieces.

Eyeglasses

It's thought that eyeglasses were invented in Italy in the late 13th century. Worn only by the very rich or well educated, the first visual record of people wearing eyeglasses is in a 1352 painting by Tommaso da Modena of a churchman looking over an old manuscript.

Printing Press

In 1456, Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing the way information spread and leading to an increase in literacy throughout Europe. It remains one of the most important inventions of all time.

Flush Toilet

Sir John Harrington, godson to Queen Elizabeth, made the first flush toilet for himself and his godmother in 1596. He was teased by his friends and never made another one although he and Queen Elizabeth continued to use the one he made.

Submarine

Leonardo da Vinci developed plans for the first submarine but kept his idea a secret for fear of the destruction and death that an underwater warship would bring about.