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School of Athens — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging world history passage explores Raphael’s 'School of Athens,' a masterful Renaissance fresco that brings together the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, including Plato and Aristotle, in a powerful celebration of classical learning and human reason. Students will analyze how the painting reflects the values of the Renaissance, the influence of geography and history on its creation, and the connections between art and intellectual achievement. The passage includes a rigorous reading text, glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, differentiated version, Spanish translations, and graphic organizers. Aligned to CA HSS 7.8.3 and CCSS RH.6-8.2, this lesson encourages students to think like historians and develop skills in textual analysis and evidence-based reasoning. Read aloud audio and Spanish versions support diverse learners.

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"The School of Athens" by Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, by Raphael / Wikimedia Commons.

The School of Athens is a famous fresco painted by the Renaissance artist Raphael between 1509 and 1511. It is located in the Vatican, in a room called the Stanza della Segnatura. This masterpiece was created during the Renaissance, a period in Europe when artists and thinkers revived interest in the knowledge and achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. Through his art, Raphael celebrated the power of reason and the importance of learning from the past.

At the center of the painting stand two ancient philosophers: Plato and Aristotle. Plato, on the left, points upward, symbolizing his belief in higher, ideal forms. Aristotle, on the right, gestures toward the earth, showing his focus on practical knowledge and observation. Raphael based their faces on ancient statues, providing historical evidence for how these figures may have appeared. Surrounding them are more than twenty other philosophers and scholars, including Socrates, Pythagoras, and Euclid. Each figure is engaged in discussion, writing, or teaching, demonstrating the lively exchange of ideas in classical times.

The composition of the painting is carefully planned. Raphael used perspective, a mathematical method for creating the illusion of depth, to draw the viewer’s eye toward the main figures. The setting resembles a grand ancient building with arches and columns, reflecting the architecture of Rome. This shows how Renaissance artists connected their own era to the ancient world. The fresco also honors the social hierarchy of learning, with philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists placed in positions of respect. For example, Euclid is shown teaching geometry to eager students, just as he did in ancient Alexandria.

The School of Athens represents the Renaissance idea that knowledge and reason could improve society. It brings together thinkers from different periods and places, uniting them in a timeless search for truth. This blending of past and present was possible because the Renaissance was a time of rediscovery, when people looked to ancient texts and archaeological remains for inspiration. Raphael’s work continues to inspire people today because it celebrates the value of education, discussion, and curiosity about the world.

By analyzing the School of Athens, historians learn how art can reflect social values and intellectual changes over time. The fresco connects the Renaissance to the ancient world and reminds us that ideas from the past continue to shape our lives today.

Interesting Fact: Raphael included a self-portrait in the fresco—he painted himself as one of the scholars, standing among the great thinkers of history.

Who painted School of Athens?

RaphaelLeonardo da VinciMichelangeloDonatello

Where is the School of Athens located?

The VaticanFlorenceAthensParis

When was the fresco completed?

1511149215271485

Why does Plato point upward?

Belief in ideal formsLooking for birdsTo show surpriseTo greet Aristotle

How does Raphael show the importance of learning?

By painting scholars teachingBy adding animalsUsing only dark colorsBy writing poems

What does perspective create in the painting?

Illusion of depthLoud soundsMoving figuresWeather changes