The word Renaissance means rebirth. We use it to describe the Ancient Greeks and Remans. This took place in the 13th century to the early 17th century. Most of the knowledge had been lost, after the Barbarians overthrew the Roman rule in Europe. Remans had nothing because building were crumbling, laws and customs were dying out. The only thing that remained were a few books which were locked up in libraries and barley ever seen.
The Renaissance began in Italy and spread throughout Europe. There was also a Pre-Renaissance period which took place from 1250 - 1375. Classical Rome had a literature art and humanism movement. The audience took shape expanding the Renaissance culture. Renaissance movement involved 600 scholars, artists, writers and architects working towards academic enlightment. Since the time of the Renaissance, Rome is now one of the grandest cities. Millions of tourists come every year to admire and be awed by its treasure of architecture, art and history. This was not always the way of Rome.
Resources:
1.Jan 11, 1991 Rita Moore; Chapter IT,The Renaissance Countries Of The World
2.Internet http://www.trimaris.com/~renarts/ren.com