Fantastic dark magic Voodoo skull King's scepter. The Renaissance refers to the period of European history from 1350 to 1600. It is derived from the French word for rebirth. The Renaissance began in Italy, where the powerful middle class, which included bankers and merchants, controlled politics and the economy. Measures 18 inches long. They were a wealthy middle class, and could afford to support the arts. It was a time of great cultural and intellectual movement.