What were the causes and consequences of the Renaissance period in Europe, and how did it shape cultural, intellectual, and artistic movements?

The Renaissance, which emerged in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries, was a period of cultural, intellectual, and artistic revival characterized by renewed interest in classical learning, humanism, and scientific inquiry. The causes of the Renaissance included the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts, the invention of the printing press, increased trade and commerce, and the patronage of wealthy merchants and rulers. The Renaissance transformed European society by fostering new ideas, perspectives, and innovations in literature, art, architecture, science, and philosophy. It laid the foundation for the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution, shaping modern Western civilization’s cultural and intellectual landscape. Key figures of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei, made significant contributions to art, science, and human knowledge, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence society today.