Roots of the Renaissance: (1) The printing press, invented by Gutenberg in the 15th century, was fundamental to the Renaissance, enabling the rapid dissemination of ideas and knowledge, facilitating access to information, and promoting literacy. (2) The fall of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, occurred with the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. After the fall, large migrations of Greek populations arrived in Italy…

…& (3) The discovery of America in 1492 boosted the Renaissance in several ways. European expansion, facilitated by the discovery, generated an economic and commercial boom that allowed the arts and sciences to flourish in Europe.

The Renaissance, as a historical and cultural period, spanned approximately the 14th to the 16th century, connecting the Middle Ages with the Modern Age in Europe. Although its origins are considered to be in Italy, its influence spread throughout Europe.