Which civilizations knowledge most directly influenced the start of the renaissance

The Greeks civilization

The civilizations knowledge that influenced most directly the start of renaissance were the Roman and the Classical Greek. In effect, the basis for Renaissance is humanism, as derived from the Roman "Humanitas". In french, renaissance means rebirth. A number of concepts were brought from these civilizations; in armony with humanism, one particular Philosopher, amongst many others, was brought to attention: Protagoras who had stated "man is the measure of all things".