The Renaissance lasted from 1350-1600 and marked the end of the Medieval period. It began in Italy due to trade connections with other cultures like the Byzantine Empire. New intellectual movements emerged such as humanism which focused on secular topics and emphasized the value of the individual. The new learning during this period led to the discovery that some important Church documents were forgeries, which undermined the Church's authority. Italian city-states remained independent and enjoyed freedom, though they also frequently fought each other over business disputes.