Renaissance History Homeschool Curriculum

The Mystery of History Volume III: “The Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations”

Volume III covers world history from the Wars of the Roses in England (1455) to Isaac Watts (1707). Where most Renaissance studies primarily highlight the achievements of mankind, The Mystery of History Volume III shines light on God’s hand in history through the Reformation and synchronizes the Renaissance and Reformation—on one picturesque timeline.
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Easy to Use for All Ages

As a living subject, The Mystery of History is designed for the whole family—with age appropriate activities for hands-on fun, enriching research, and purposeful discussion.

Historically Accurate & Chronological

This series is historically accurate and chronological to help students trace cause and effect, relevance, and the timeless significance of world history.

Integrated History

Unlike most programs, The Mystery of History integrates sacred and secular history on one continuous timeline—to reveal God’s sovereign hand in history.

"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
(1 Corinthians 13:2)

The Renaissance Alongside the Reformation

The Mystery of History Volume III retells the stories of artists, scientists, and writers of the Renaissance and integrates them chronologically with significant events of the Protestant Reformation. Imagine the lives of the Reformers and their world famous contemporaries—side by side in your studies!
1514

Raphael

1514
In School of Athens, Raphael painted a who’s who of ancient philosophers for Pope Julius II.
1517

Martin Luther

1517
Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in Germany—and provoked a debate leading to the Protestant Reformation.
1522

Sultan of the Ottomans

1522
Suleiman failed to conquer the Holy Roman Empire but greatly expanded the Ottoman Empire in all other directions.
1523

Ulrich Zwingli—Swiss Reformer

1523
Once a priest in the Medieval Church, Zwingli led the Swiss toward spiritual reform and biblical teaching.
1587

Mary, Queen of Scots

1587
After 19 years of captivity, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed by her political rival, Elizabeth I of England.
1562

Jeanne d’Albret—French Reformer

1562
Struggling with tuberculosis, Jeanne d’Albret, the queen of Navarre, supported Protestant Huguenots during the religious wars of France.
1662

Kang-hsi the Manchu

1662
Ascending the throne at age 13, Kang-hsi proved to be one of China’s most capable Manchurian emperors, despite his foreign roots.
1678

John Bunyan

1678
Imprisoned for his dissenting faith in England, John Bunyan penned The Pilgrim’s Progress, a masterful allegory of the Christian faith.

Imagine lining up such amazing figures and events on one master timeline! Imagine learning their stories back to back in the order they happened! For most of us, it’s an illuminating experience.

Take a Look Inside—The Mystery of History Volume III

Download Lesson Samples (from our Student Reader)

Lesson samples from Week 12 (William Tyndale: Father of the English Bible; Nicolaus Copernicus; Bartolomé de Las Casas)


Week 12 (Student Reader)

Free Download

Download Curriculum Samples (from our Companion Guide)

Curriculum samples from Week 12 (Pretest; activities; review)


Week 12 (Companion Guide)

Free Download

Listen to The Mystery of History Audiobook (narrated by the author!)

The following audio sample, both with and without music, is the first lesson from Week 12.

Lesson 34—William Tyndale: Father of the English Bible (with music)

Lesson 34—William Tyndale: Father of the English Bible (without music)

Activity Samples

A few of the interactive activities students will participate in.

Activity 22A—Pirates! (Arrr! That's my grandson.)

Activity 26C—Story Cube (The 6 wives of Henry VIII.)

Activity 33B—Paper Pueblo (Easy! Index cards & tape.)

Good news! We’ve Done the Hard Work for You!

Each of our four volumes is carefully laid out with interesting lessons in a Student Reader—and optional curriculum in a Companion Guide. (We have it all!) Here’s four easy steps to follow:
Look
Look ahead at what the week holds. (Our Planning Pages will help!)
Book
Turn to our beautiful books to read your lessons. (Or listen by audiobook.)
Choose
Choose age-appropriate activities. (We offer choices for different learning styles!)
Review
Review at the end of the week. (Use any of our retention tools.)
How to Use
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Engaging World History—Loved by the Whole Family

Kids love it
Parents Love It
  • "Your Mystery of History series is incredible! I have learned so much from them! Thank you writing from a Christian point of view and for talking about church history and the bible!"

    Lindsay
    9 Years Old
  • "Thank you for the really fun history book. I didn't like world history until we got your book. Now it's my favorite subject."

    Emma
    13 Years Old
  • "I just finished "The Mystery of History" Volume #3. I liked it so much! My favorite Lesson was probably Elizabeth I. It was definitely a work of art!"

    Christa
    9 Years Old
  • "We are and have enjoyed our history, this year. Out of our few years of homeschooling, this is definitely the best. We especially enjoyed all the bible characters and best of all knowing what was going on around the world at the same time."

    Laura and Lisa King
    Homeschool Mom
  • "This is our first year using The Mystery of History and I love everything about it. History is easily my daughter's favorite subject and you wrote it in such a way that it's like reading stories about people or events. It is everything I could wish for in a history curriculum."

    Martha F.
    Homeschool Mom
  • "Out of 11th years of homeschooling and The Mystery of History made it one of our best years yet. Being able to see how history and the Bible coincide, we were able to learn more about our God, strengthen our faith, and minister to those in our circle. We enjoyed learning as a family."

    Traci L. & Family

Volume III “Best-Seller Bundle”

Looking for a great deal? This is it! We are offering our best-selling products for The Mystery of History Volume III in one exclusive money-saving bundle.
Includes:
Volume III (Color hardback Student Reader with a code for the Companion Guide PDF)
Rand McNally’s Historical Atlas
Rand McNally’s World Atlas—Know Geography
Volume III Audiobook—Quarters 1-4 (MP3s with music)
Homeschool in the Woods “To Accompany Volume III” Cardstock timeline figures
View product
Volume 3 Best Seller Bundle

or

Free MP3 from the Author!

Start Simple!

1. Read the lessons in our beautiful hardback Student Reader.
2. Access the code (in the inside cover of your reader) to download a digital Companion Guide loaded with curriculum for all ages!
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The Mystery of History Volume 3 The Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations

Expand Your Collection

The Mystery of History offers a wealth of information and enrichment. But to make life easier, we offer add-ons!
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Volume III FAQs


  • Linda Lacour Hobar, the author of The Mystery of History, offers a statement of faith that you can read here. She defines herself as an evangelical Protestant.  

  • A historical atlas is unique in that it uses old names of old boundaries to define the land rather than modern names.   Example: In Volume III, students are asked to map the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire on a blank student map. The boundaries changed with time and students need a historical atlas for the answers. The mapping exercises in all volumes of the MOH range from easy to difficult allowing you to choose those appropriate for your students. 

  • No. While there is a great deal of traditional European history in Volume III, spanning the artists that made the Renaissance famous, the author includes Ghana of West Africa, the Safavid Empire of Persia, the Mughal Dynasty of India, North America, Tokugawa Japan, Australia, the Ch’ing Dynasty of China, and more.

  • Yes! If used properly, any one of our four volumes of world history can be counted as a high school world history credit. The key is utilizing the Companion Guide features to their fullest to incorporate research, writing, geography, literature, quizzes, Bible reading, and more.

  • We feel that students in and around 5th grade are ready for the heart of the Renaissance and Reformation, but we offer hands-on projects for younger students tagging along. The time period offers insight into mankind’s strife—and God’s tender mercy.  While difficult, the bloodshed of the Reformation offers a meaningful backdrop to U.S. history, where the shackles of a monarchy were broken. Outside of the Renaissance and Reformation, students will additionally study: Ferdinand Magellan, Nicolaus Copernicus, West Africa, Squanto, Galileo, the Atlantic Slave Trade, Peter I of Russia, and much more.

  • Yes! Many families will occupy little hands with coloring pages while listening to an audiobook, narrated by the author. Furthermore, after each lesson students can choose a hands-on activity to reinforce the story using their god-given senses. They can eat, burn, dye, sculpt, color, write, or build a multitude of projects to stimulate their learning experience. The “fun” stuff will help shape a positive attitude toward school.