Fill in the Blanks RENAISSANCEOnline version A description of Renaissance achievements in Europe. by Alfonso Poza 1 compass printing commerce as exploration Middle term rebirth feudal Ancient The Renaissance , literally means " " and is the period in European civilization immediately following the Ages . It has been characterized by an interest in classical ( Greece and Rome ) learning and values . The Renaissance also witnessed the discovery and of new continents , the decline of the system and the growth of , the invention or application of powerful innovations such paper , press , the mariner's , and gunpowder .