Final answer:
The Renaissance is best described by its intellectual and artistic creativity and its revival of classical Greek and Roman knowledge. This period was marked by a surge of innovation across arts and sciences, cultivating humanism and individualism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Renaissance was a transformative period in European history, recognized for its immense contribution to various domains such as science, art, mathematics, and philosophy. Two characteristics that best describe the Renaissance are:
- A period of intellectual and artistic creativity. During the Renaissance, there was a revolutionary surge in creativity and human expression, shown through extraordinary works of art, literature, and architectural wonders that still awe the modern world.
- A renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman knowledge. The Renaissance marked a reinvigoration of the classical ideals of antiquity. Scholars during this time sought to rediscover and apply the wisdom from ancient Greek and Roman texts which led to significant advances across multiple fields of knowledge.
In addition, the Renaissance is characterized by the emergence of humanism, a movement that emphasized the value of human potential and accomplishments. This was a distinct shift away from the more collective and theologically centered mindset of the Middle Ages, fostering individualism and self-awareness.