Skip to content
Know.itKnow.it
Create an animated lesson
On request

This article is free to read. Creating a lesson uses your daily or stored credits; review the language and settings before starting.

What was the Renaissance?

HistoryLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The Renaissance was a period of intense cultural rebirth in Europe (roughly the 14th–17th centuries), reviving art, science, and learning inspired by classical antiquity. It bridged the medieval and modern worlds. 'Renaissance' means 'rebirth' — of classical Greek and Roman ideas.

Key things to understand

  1. 'Renaissance' means 'rebirth' — of classical Greek and Roman ideas.
  2. It began in Italy (Florence) and spread across Europe.
  3. A flourishing of art (da Vinci, Michelangelo), science, and humanism.
  4. The printing press spread new ideas widely and fast.

People also ask

When was the Renaissance?
Roughly the 14th to 17th centuries, beginning in Italy.
Why was the Renaissance important?
It revived learning, transformed art and science, and laid foundations for the modern world.
Who were key Renaissance figures?
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, and many other artists, scientists, and thinkers.