The Renaissance
A period of cultural rebirth in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century.
6 min readUpdated July 10, 2026
Origins in Italy
The Renaissance began in the wealthy Italian city-states of the 14th century, with a rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman texts and art.
Ideas and art
Humanism placed people at the center of intellectual life. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo revolutionized painting, sculpture, and anatomy.
Legacy
The printing press, scientific inquiry, and the questioning of tradition set the stage for the Scientific Revolution and the modern world.