The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to 17th centuries, beginning in Italy in the late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. One of the key characteristics of the Renaissance was the revival of classical learning and literature, which led to the development of new forms of art, literature, and philosophy. During this period, there were significant advancements in various fields, including art, architecture, science, and literature, but the invention of the printing press is not considered a part of the Renaissance. The printing press was invented in the mid-15th century by Johannes Gutenberg, which revolutionized the way books and other materials were produced, but it occurred after the Renaissance period.