The Renaissance began to take shape during the 14th century. It was the predominant style throughout Italy and throughout Europe up to the 16th century. To define this period and the style of art that was associated with it, the phrase "renaissance", was coined in the 19th century. The people who lived through the Renaissance considered themselves to be distinct from their Medieval predecessors. We can see from a myriad of sources that Renaissance people believed that they were distinct because they attempted to emulate the Ancients in art and architecture.