W o W - Week of Words - October

This section covers words based on a monthly theme, hope you enjoy them and keep your feedback coming.

The “W o W” word Renaissance (ri’neys(aa)ns) (noun): The period of European history at the close of the Middle Ages and the rise of the modern world; a cultural rebirth from the 14th through the middle of the 17th centuries; the revival of learning and culture. A bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern era... The Renaissance (from French Renaissance, meaning "rebirth"; Italian: Rinascimento, from re- "again" and nascere "be born")was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. As a cultural movement, it encompassed a revival of learning based on classical sources, the development of linear perspective in painting, and gradual but widespread educational reform. Traditionally, this intellectual transformation has resulted in the Renaissance being viewed as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern era. It is perhaps best known for its artistic developments and the contributions of such polymaths as Leonardo da Vinci (picture above) and Michelangelo, who inspired the term "Renaissance men". [More Info] : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance / http://www.answers.com/Renaissance

The “W o W” word Conquistador (kon-KWIS-tuh-dawr) noun: A conqueror, especially one of the 16th-century Spanish soldiers who defeated the Indian civilizations of Mexico, Central America, or Peru. The Daring Adventurer Conquistador is the name given to any one of the Spanish soldiers, leaders, explorers, and adventurers who took part in the gradual conquest of large parts of the Americas, bringing them under Spanish rule between the 15th and 19th centuries. The term is also commonly used to describe the Portuguese explorers and conquerors of Brazil, though the proper term for "Conquistadors" from Portugal is Bandeirantes. Francisco Pizarro, the conqueror of Peru, and Hernán Cortés, the conqueror of Mexico, were the greatest of the conquistadors. The name is frequently used to mean any daring, ruthless adventurer.

The “W o W” word Silk Road: An ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean (4,000 miles); followed by Marco Polo in the 13th century to reach Cathay. In the footsteps of Hsuan Tsang… The Silk Road, or Silk Route, is an extensive interconnected network of trade routes across the Asian continent connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and Europe. The routes enabled people to transport trade goods, especially luxuries such as silk, satins, musk, rubies, diamonds, pearls and rhubarb. Hsuan-Tsang traveled between 627-643 AD. His detailed account provides the first reliable information about distant countries, terrain and customs. He traveled over land, along the Silk Road west toward India. [More Info] : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road

The “W o W” word Samurai ('samû`rI) noun: The warrior class of feudal Japan. Their strict code, bushido which stressed courage, loyalty, self-discipline and simple living. As a symbol of their rank, they wore two swords. Elite Indian Warrior Rani Laxmibai (of Jhansi)'s courage, deeds of valour and heroics against the British have become the theme for many a folklore and ballad in the country. When both, her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi and her only son died in 1853, she adopted a son and made him the heir to the throne. The British Governor General Dalhousie refused to recognize her adopted son as heir to the throne and ordered annexation of Jhansi into British Raj. Rani Laxmibai refused to part with Jhansi. A fierce fight ensued; The Rani fought the British undauntedly leading her forces from the front and showed great courage and skill.