Florence, Italy is the birthplace of the period we now know of as the Renaissance Era. The Renaissance Era was a rebirth of European cultural, artistic, political, and economic values following the Middle Ages. This time period is associated with a shift in thinking in how humans perceive the world around them. During the Middle Ages, advances in science and art in Europe was not common. The Middle Age time period is sometimes branded as the "Dark Age" because of the lack of scientific and cultural advancement. Since the Middle Ages was regarded with such a lack of innovation, the Renaissance Era was a welcome change in society. Some of the most renowned scientists, artists, and authors came from the Renaissance Era. The Renaissance Era is known for being the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-day civilization. 

Sources: 

History.com Editors. “Renaissance.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 4 Apr. 2018, www.history.com/topics/renaissance/renaissance.

Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/the-dark-ages-definition-history-timeline.html.