Petrarch was the first, what?
Petrarch, an Italian scholar, poet, and one of the earliest humanists, is often referred to as the "Father of Humanism" and is considered one of the first to have sparked the Renaissance through his rediscovery and promotion of classical texts. However, the statement "Petrarch was the first" might need further clarification or context to provide a specific answer.
If you are referring to specific achievements or recognitions, here are a few possibilities:
1. First Modern Man: Petrarch is sometimes called the first "modern man" due to his introspective nature, focus on personal feeling, and interest in individual achievement, which were characteristics that distinguished him from the medieval thinkers preceding him.
2. First to Develop the Concept of the 'Dark Ages': Petrarch's critical view of post-Roman history led him to coin the concept of the "Dark Ages," a term reflecting his judgment that the period following the fall of the Roman Empire was a time of cultural decline.
3. First to Climb Mont Ventoux: Petrarch wrote an account of his ascent of Mont Ventoux in France on April 26, 1336, which he undertook for pleasure rather than necessity, a rare occurrence for his time. This has often (somewhat inaccurately) been presented as the "first ascent" of the mountain, although its first recorded ascent for the purpose of enjoying the view.
4. First Poet Laureate since Antiquity: He was crowned as the poet laureate in Rome in 1341 for his poetic achievements, specifically for his work in Latin, making him one of the first figures to receive this honor in the post-classical era.
In all of these cases, the "first" label should not be taken strictly, as historical firsts are often more complex than they may appear. However, it is true that Petrarch played an extremely influential role in the intellectual pursuits of his time and in setting the stage for the Renaissance.