It is difficult to imagine a contemporary equivalent to Christopher Marlowe's choice of fourteenth century. Turk warlord as a subject for popular entertainment. The historical Timur had no immediate impact on English culture or history. Those English texts that had taken an interest in historical Muslims had more often than not described figures like Timur as barbarous and bloodthirsty princes of darkness, associated with tyranny, terror and the antichrist. In taking up the story of a long passed Muslim conqueror Marlowe tapped into commercial and diplomatic interests in Asian, Near Eastern and Northern African markets, as well as anxieties over the cultural exchanges accompanying such ventures. English joint-stock companies in the last quarter of the sixteenth century were exploring trade in precisely those areas of North Africa and the Levant that Marlowe's Tamburlaine plays traverse. The English were eager to expand their economy but concerned too with maintaining their standing in what Sir Thomas. More referred to as the common corps of Christendom.
Just as the Renaissance saw a great evolution in European art the Scientific Revolution of approximately the same timeframe was a huge evolution in European science. The works of scientists such as Copernicus Galileo and Newton significantly changed Europeans mindsets. Their work was definitely affected by important components of the societies that they lived in. Religious controversy hindered the work of scientists by creating barriers to the spread of scientific ideas. Leaders supported science for their own political purposes helping in its advance. Although there was widespread support for science the norms of society crippled the strength and effectiveness of those who hoped to further and embrace scientific ideas. First, a major factor in the endeavors of these scientists was the staunch opposition of the Catholic Church. The Church had a great deal of control over science at this point in history as evidenced by Galileo's experience with the Inquisition where he was punished by the Church for his work in favor of heliocentricity. Scientists were driven to ingratiate themselves with the Church to make sure that their work would be able to reach enough people. This is certainly seen in the writing of Copernicus to Pope Paul III when he states. It is to your Holiness rather than to anyone else that I have chosen to dedicate these studies of mine.
