: Universities appeared in the 11th–12th centuries. Gothic cathedrals reached toward heaven. In the 14th century, the Renaissance began in Italy, focusing on humanism and classical art.
: Spain was reconquered from the Arabs. Germany remained fragmented into many small states. Culture and the Renaissance : Universities appeared in the 11th–12th centuries
: Campaigns (1096–1291 AD) to "liberate" the Holy Land. They increased trade but caused immense destruction. Formation of Centralized States the Renaissance began in Italy
: The Church was the largest landowner. The Great Schism (1054 AD) split Christianity into Catholic and Orthodox branches. : Universities appeared in the 11th–12th centuries