Which developments signaled the end of the post-classical era?

The end of the post-classical era, which spanned roughly between the 5th and the 15th centuries, was marked by several key developments across different regions of the world.

1. The Fall of Constantinople (1453): Arguably the most significant signal of the post-classical era's end was the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. This event marked the final demise of the Byzantine Empire, which was the Eastern Roman Empire's continuation, and a shift in trade and power dynamics in Europe and Asia.

2. The Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries): The Renaissance, which began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe, signaled a renewed interest in the arts, science, and the philosophies of classical antiquity. This cultural movement emphasized humanism and a break from the more strictly religious views of the post-classical period.

3. The Age of Exploration (15th to 17th centuries): European exploration, led by figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, began to connect the world in ways that were unprecedented during the post-classical era. The establishment of sea routes to the Americas and the Indian Ocean led to the Columbian Exchange and the beginning of European colonialism.

4. The Fall of Granada (1492): The reconquest of Granada from the Moors by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain symbolized the end of Islamic power in Western Europe and the consolidation of Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.

5. The invention of the printing press (mid-15th century): Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press revolutionized the spread of information and ideas. This increased literacy rates and helped spread Renaissance and Reformation ideas, undermining some of the religious and cultural uniformity of the post-classical era.

6. The Protestant Reformation (16th century): Initiated by figures like Martin Luther, the Reformation led to a schism within Western Christianity and the establishment of Protestant churches. This upheaval altered the religious map of Europe and weakened the hold of the Catholic Church, changing the social and political dynamics of the period.

These developments collectively led to the transition from the post-classical to the early modern period, characterized by shifts in political power, advancements in technology and science, and new cultural movements that laid the foundation for the modern world.