* The Printing Press: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century was a revolutionary development. It allowed for the mass production of books, making knowledge more accessible to a wider audience. This led to:
* Increased literacy: More people had access to books, leading to a rise in literacy rates.
* Spread of ideas: Ideas and knowledge could now be disseminated much faster and more widely.
* Scientific advancements: The printing press helped to spread new scientific discoveries and theories.
* A Common Language: While a common language is important for communication and understanding, it didn't directly contribute to the advancements in learning during the Renaissance. The Renaissance saw a revival of classical learning, but the languages of the ancient Greeks and Romans were not widely spoken at the time.
Therefore, the printing press had a much more direct and significant impact on the Renaissance's intellectual progress.