The Renaissance was a period of cultural rebirth that began in Italy around the 14th century. It spread to other parts of Europe in the 16th century and lasted until about 1600. The Renaissance was marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and culture, as well as advances in science and technology. The term “Renaissance” comes from French and literally means “rebirth.”
The Renaissance saw great advances in science, including the invention of the telescope, microscope, printing press and gunpowder. It also saw the rise of humanism, which emphasized the value of individual thought and behavior over religious beliefs or traditional customs. Humanists studied ancient Greek and Latin texts to learn more about ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. They believed that these civilizations were superior to their own because they valued education more than religion or politics. Humanists also valued reason over faith because they believed it was possible for people to find truth on their own without relying on God or prophets for guidance.
Artists of this period created some of history’s most iconic works of art such as Michelangelo’s David statue (1504-05), Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting (1503-06) and Raphael’s School of Athens painting (1510-11).
