The civilization characterized by its major contributions to art and literature during the Renaissance is Italy, particularly cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice. The Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, saw a flourishing of art, literature, and intellect. Renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo produced masterpieces that emphasized humanism and classical themes, while writers like Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio shaped literary forms and styles. The period was marked by a revival of ancient Greek and Roman ideas and values, significantly influencing the cultural landscape of Europe and laying the foundation for modern Western thought.