The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth in Europe. It began in the 14th century and lasted until the 17th century. It is most commonly associated with Italy, where it began, but it spread to other parts of Europe as well. During this time, there was a renewed interest in the classical learning of ancient Greece and Rome, and many great works of art, literature, and science were produced. The Renaissance is often considered to be a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern era, and it marked the beginning of the scientific and intellectual revolutions that would shape the course of European history.