The four ERAS of important periods of history are the Ancient Era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Modern Era. The Ancient Era is a period of time from the beginning of recorded history to the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE. The Middle Ages is a period of time from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century. The Renaissance was a period of cultural, political, and economic rebirth that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe. The Modern Era is a period of time from the Renaissance to the present day.