“Between the Middle Ages and the modern era Europe underwent a massive intellectual and cultural revolution.

This shift known as the Renaissance transformed the human experience. It prompted the exploration of science and the arts and changed the way men and women saw themselves in relation to God.

The Renaissance and scientific revolution that followed were critical stages in the development of Europe.

The origins of the Renaissance are generally believed to lie in Italy where a renewed interest in the classics had a huge impact on art and culture.

But the foundations of the Renaissance were laid much earlier - and not in Italy but in a town called ... Toledo in islamic Spain.”

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