After the great advances of what is now ancient Greece and Rome, also known as the “classics”; Europe fell into a period of darkness. Within it, learning was suppressed and knowledge did not advance. However, towards the end of the 1400s, there was a "rebirth" of knowledge: the Renaissance. The Renaissance was marked by an intense awakening to the visible world and to knowledge derived from experiences rather than religion and wise tales. He moved away from the abstract speculations and interest in life after death that characterized the Middle Ages. Although Christianity was not completely forgotten, the sacred culture of the Middle Ages was largely rejected. Interest in classical literature began in the Middle Ages. Late Middle Ages scholars, philosophers, and authors were interested in Latin literature and Latin translations of Greek literature. In the Renaissance, however, people from various segments of society, from kings and nobles to merchants and soldiers, studied classical literature and art. Unlike the theologians of the Middle Ages, these people were new to these ideas and studied for pleasure, and interest in the art of the past soon extended to contemporary works. Medieval art and literature tended to serve a specialized interest and purpose; as ideal objects of beauty or learning. The advent of the printing press brought a lot of knowledge to citizens, while Europeans began to appreciate scientific education and training. Numerous intellectuals, talented artists, academics, poets and writers flourished during the Renaissance. The European Renaissance changed attitudes toward government, individual rights, religion, and personal wealth. Many monarchs were forced to conform to the changing world as their na...... middle of paper...... 2010 .Kastan, David S. "Shakespeare and His England." Romeo and Juliet. New York: Barnes and Noble Shakespeare, 2007.Kastan, David S ed.Macbeth. New York: Barnes and Noble Shakespeare, 2007. Kreis, Steven. "The typography". The Story Guide - Main. Network. June 04, 2010..Kreis, Steven. "Renaissance Humanism". History guide. Steven Kreis. July 28, 2008. May 21, 2010 ."Leonardo da Vinci's Renaissance Man." Science Museum, Boston. May 24, 2010.Nicholson, Joseph. "How does the printing press work? | EHow.com." EHow | How to do practically everything! | How to make videos and articles. Network. 04 June 2010. .