Renaissance Italy, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, was a period of great cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival. It began in cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, where trade and wealth fostered an environment for creativity. This era saw the emergence of influential artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who produced iconic works that emphasized humanism and realism. The Renaissance also marked significant advancements in science, literature, and philosophy. Thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei challenged traditional views, laying the groundwork for modern thought. The period was characterized by a renewed interest in the classical knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome, influencing various fields and shaping European culture for centuries.