The Renaissance was a period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries that saw a rebirth of art, science, and learning. This "rebirth" was inspired by a renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture. Significant events included advancements in art and science, with famous Renaissance artists and thinkers like Leonardo Da Vinci emerging. The Renaissance also influenced William Shakespeare's work, as he updated pre-Renaissance drama to create more complex human characters and explored social hierarchies, drawing on newly accessible Greek and Roman classics.