The primary cause of the Renaissance in Europe was a revival of interest in classical learning and values from ancient Greece and Rome. This cultural movement, which began in the 14th century, was fueled by a combination of factors, including increased trade, the rise of wealthy merchant classes, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, which led to an influx of scholars into Western Europe. The Renaissance emphasized humanism, art, science, and literature, challenging medieval norms and fostering innovation in various fields. This period laid the foundation for modern Western civilization by promoting education and critical inquiry.