The Elizabethan era is the period of English history when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England (1558-1603). This era is often considered the "Golden Age" of England because it was a time of immense progress, stability, and national pride. During Elizabeth's reign, England flourished politically and economically. The country also began extending its reach to the New World, solidifying its status as a world power. Protestant England became more unified than ever after the defeat of the Catholic Spanish Armada in 1588. The period is also considered one of the most prolific eras of the English Renaissance, which saw an outpouring of poetry and drama, most notably that of William Shakespeare. The Elizabethan era significantly shaped the future of England and culminated in the dawn of the British Empire.
From: Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2014
Explore the life of Queen Elizabeth as a girl, a woman and the queen.
Explore the Globe Theatre, providing both background information and a physical description. Explore acting at the Globe, as well as costumes and scenery. Explore recreation and games in the Elizabethan Era.
Explore living conditions, the roles of men and women, the fashions of men and women, and the everyday lives of children.
Explore astrology and magic, superstition, religious persecution, and the plague.
Explore the life of William Shakespeare, including his ancestry, birth and childhood; his marriage and family, his career as a playwright and actor, and his later life and death.
Explore Medicine, science, architecture, and sports/entertainment of the Renaissance.