A Research On The Reconstruction Of The Vatican Library In The 15th Century

The Vatican Library used to be a private property owned by the Pope and the Holy See.After being rebuilt by Pope Nicholas V and Pope Sixtus IV in the 15 th century,it opened to the scholars and possessed public attribute.The library preserves social memory and human civilization,measures the comprehensive development of a region and a state,and embodies the ideal and qualities of its builders.After re-construction,the Vatican Library emerged as a significant research place with strong cultural appeal in the Western world.The centre of the Renaissance also moved from Florence to Rome from the end of the 15 th century to the beginning of the 16 th century.This essay aims to contribute new knowledge on the historical significance and huge influence of the reconstruction of the Vatican Library.This is achieved by carrying out an empirical analysis on the whole process of the reconstruction during the Renaissance,as well as social context and the Pope’s multiple motivations.The essay contains the introduction,the body part and the conclusion.The introduction includes the reasons for the selection of the topic,the definition of some concepts,previous research and the research ideas.The body part is divided into 4 parts: the first part introduces the historical origin of the Vatican Library,and discusses the reconstruction by the two Popes considering reconstruction concept,library collection,modes of management and library facilities;the second part analyzes the social context of the Italian Peninsula in the 15 th century as the prerequisites for the development of the library;the third part researches and compares the motivations of the two Popes behind the reconstruction of the library,namely the direct motivation of "providing convenience for research",the main motivation of "humanism tendency" and the fundamental motivation of "Rome’s Renaissance Plan";the fourth part expounds on the significance and influence of the reconstruction,and reaches a conclusion that the Vatican Library has become a symbol of the Roman Renaissance,preserved and promoted ancient classic culture,and made the later library cause become more enlightened,inclusive and humanistic.The reconstruction of the library reveals the two Popes’ ambitions for political and cultural interests.The Pope and humanists are essentially opposing sides and due to the need for cooperation and based on common beliefs,the two sides cooperated in building the library and promoting the development of new cultures.The reconstruction of the Vatican Library is a cultural project to preserve and revive ancient classics,but in the end,the ultimate goal is to safeguard the Pope’s authority by restoring Rome’s central status and emphasizing its leadership in cultural areas.