What Renaissance invention greatly facilitated the spread of new ideas and knowledge across Europe?

The invention that greatly facilitated the spread of new ideas and knowledge across Europe during the Renaissance was the printing press. Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated. It allowed for the mass production of books and written materials, which significantly reduced the cost of printing and made literature more accessible to a wider audience.

Prior to the printing press, books were laboriously copied by hand, making them rare and expensive. With the advent of this technology, texts such as religious scriptures, philosophical works, and scientific treatises could be produced quickly and in large quantities. This led to an increase in literacy rates and encouraged the sharing of innovative ideas beyond localized communities, contributing to the cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance.

The printing press also played a crucial role in the Reformation, as it allowed for the rapid spread of reformed ideas and critiques of the Catholic Church, thus shaping the religious landscape of Europe. Overall, the printing press was instrumental in fostering the exchange of knowledge and expanding the horizons of learning during this transformative period in history.