请用英文解释一下文艺复兴

The Renaissance was a period of cultural and artistic revival that took place in Europe during the 14th to the 17th century. It was characterized by a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, art, and philosophy, and a shift towards humanism as a central intellectual and cultural movement. The Renaissance marked a departure from the medieval period of Europe, with its focus on religious piety and feudalism, and led to significant advancements in science, exploration, and the arts. It was a time of great creativity and innovation, marked by the works of prominent figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and William Shakespeare, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern western culture.