The 15th century, spanning from 1401 to 1500, was a time of significant change and discovery in Europe. It marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance, a period that celebrated art, science, and humanism. Famous figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo emerged, creating masterpieces that still inspire today. This century also saw the age of exploration, with adventurers like Christopher Columbus setting sail to discover new lands. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the spread of knowledge, making books more accessible and fostering a new wave of learning and ideas across Europe.