Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616, also known as the renaissance, which actually means `rebirth'. It was a great time of learning and exploration. Some of the most famous names in history have come out of this time period including: Donatello, Columbus, Magellan, Descartes, Galileo, and Da Vinci just to name a few of the great names of this time.

Before this time there was social unrest between battling kings and dukes. This left no time or even need for people to focus on the arts. They were to busy trying to survive or to conquer a part of the northern land or the west side of the woods. The renaissance came to areas that were more politically stable and could support the arts. As the renaissance spread paintings and statues came more life like and real. People now didn't have to spend all they had on trying...