The Renaissance, which began in Italy in the fourteenth century, was a period of great change in art, culture, and science. The word "Renaissance" means "Rebirth", this is a perfect word to describe the period. Many of the greatest artists in history, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, lived during this time period. Renaissance scientists made many great discoveries and played a large part in a fair portion of our current knowledge about the natural world. As well, Renaissance thinkers changed the way people saw themselves and the wor ....