Final answer:
The Renaissance is the rebirth of culture at the end of the Middle Ages, focusing on the revival of classical art, science, and philosophy, and began in 14th century Italy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rebirth of culture that began toward the end of the Middle Ages is known as the Renaissance. This era signaled the transition from a period often dubbed as the Dark Ages to a time marked by a resurgence of interest in the art, science, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. The Renaissance began in Italy, particularly Florence, around the 14th century and gradually spread across Europe, laying the foundations for the early modern period. The Renaissance period followed the challenging Late Middle Ages characterized by things such as the Black Death, which decimated Europe's population, and the Crusades, which were militarized pilgrimages to reclaim the Holy Land. The Renaissance marked a significant shift in thinking and culture, with renewed focus on humanistic learning overriding medieval values. Its rise led to crucial developments in various disciplines, fostering an environment where art, literature, and scientific inquiry could flourish, markedly changing European and ultimately global civilization.