The historical period known as the "Age of Enlightenment" primarily spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by intellectual and philosophical advancements in Europe. It emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional authority. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant, promoted ideas about governance, human rights, and scientific inquiry. This era profoundly influenced modern political and social thought, leading to revolutions, including the American and French revolutions. The Age of Enlightenment fostered an environment where knowledge and inquiry flourished, laying the foundation for the development of modern democratic systems and secular institutions.