The event that marked the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe is often considered to be the rediscovery of classical antiquity, particularly through the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This event spurred the migration of Greek scholars to Western Europe, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, manuscripts, and ideas from ancient Greece and Rome. The Renaissance—a period characterized by a renewed interest in art, science, and humanism—flourished in the 14th to 17th centuries, profoundly transforming European culture. Innovations in painting, literature, and exploration emerged during this time, significantly influencing the development of modern Western civilization.