The word “Renaissance” means a rebirth, or a renewal of interest in historical philosophy, literature, art, architecture, or law. Following the Renaissance of the 12th Century was the second major “rebirth,” following the Carolingian Renaissance in the 9th Century. 

In the early Middle Ages, ancient Roman literature had largely been forgotten due to the many wars and famines across Europe. Even during the 12th Century, ancient literature had not been the main focus, rather Roman philosophy, that enamored the thinkers, although there was some reading of Latin authors and poets including Virgil and Ovid. 

Unlike the Carolingian Renaissance, where old works were simply copied, the 12th Century involved the studying of ancient works and the writings of commentaries. Another focus was directed towards Roman law and history. 

One of the greatest translators of the 12th Century, Gerard of Cremona, translated the ancient mathematicians, astronomists, and doctors, Euclid, Ptolomy, Galen, Hippocrates, and Avicenna. These works were most commonly translated into Arabic or Latin, from ancient Latin and Greek.

In ancient Greece and Rome, there was an interest in education, with many schools and colleges being founded in their major cities, however by the early Middle Ages, there was little education, with most schools being destroyed during the Dark Ages. Starting in the 12th Century, major universities were founded, including: Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and Bologna. Each university was known for different things. Paris was famous for theology and Bologna for law. Upon graduating from one of these prestigious universities, one would be able to teach almost anywhere in Europe. 

Interestingly, the university system was intertwined with the Church. For instance, a university needed a charter granted by the Pope in order to be established, while the universities depended upon the Church for protection. Many famous theologians from that time either studied or taught at major universities across Europe. Even St. Thomas Aquinas wrote an organization of theology that reflected on life there. The establishment of universities was a major step in education and gave many more people access to the studies of theology, law, literature, history, philosophy, etc.