Europe has a long history of great cultural and economic achievements since the Bronze Age. Western culture origins are generally attributed to ancient Greek and Roman, who subjected the continent for several centuries. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Europe entered a period of stagnation, known as the middle Ages, which ended with the phenomenon called Renaissance and New Monarchs, who were to mark the new discoveries, explorations and increasing scientific knowledge. Fifteenth century, European nations, particularly Spain, Portugal, France and Britain, built large colonial empires, with dependencies in Africa, America and Asia. Industrial Revolution began in the eighteenth century, leading to increased prosperity, and thus to an increase in the population. After World War II until the end of the Cold War, Europe was divided into two major political and economic blocks: Communist nations in Eastern Europe and capitalist countries of Western Europe. Around 1991, the Eastern bloc has disintegrated, after being sold in Malta. It was formed by mixing of Greco-Roman heritage, feudalism and Christianity.