Final answer:
The Renaissance began in Italy during the 15th century, driven by the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman thought and marked by significant cultural changes in the arts, politics, and sciences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Renaissance began in Italy, particularly flourishing in the city-states like Florence, Venice, and Milan. This cultural movement is often associated with the rebirth of interest in the classical art and intellectual ideas of ancient Greece and Rome. It marked the transition from medieval times to the early modern age, transforming art, architecture, politics, science, and literature.
Characterized by humanism, the Renaissance moved away from the medieval views and introduced a new focus on individual potential and achievements. This era saw the emergence of notable figures such as Dante, Petrarch, and Giotto, whose works contributed to the cultural revival. Additionally, the political and economic environment of these city-states, including the patronage of the Medici family in Florence, played a crucial role in fostering this cultural movement.
The beginning of the Renaissance is marked by the 15th century, with Florence being the heart of this rebirth. As Italian city-states prospered through expanded trade, notably with the Ottomans along the Silk Road, newfound wealth and social changes contributed to the flourishing of the arts and sciences that defined the Renaissance period.