During the Renaissance, Europe experienced a cultural shift characterized by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and the philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome. This period, spanning roughly the 14th to 17th centuries, encouraged a focus on humanism, where individual potential and achievements were celebrated. It inspired advancements in various disciplines, including visual arts (with figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo), science (with pioneers like Copernicus and Galileo), and literature (with authors such as Shakespeare). The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg also facilitated the dissemination of ideas, leading to greater literacy and cultural exchange across Europe.