16th century

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Timeline: 16th century

Years: c. 1500 - 1600	Subject: History, Early history (500 CE to 1500)
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735592

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 1500	The people of Benin begin a lasting tradition of sculpture in brass, melted down from objects brought by traders Go to Benin, Kingdom of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Arts Sculpture Africa West Africa The lively realism of Kamal-ud-din Bihzad lays the basis of both the Persian and the Mughal schools of painting Go to Realism in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Arts Painting Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Even the remote city of Machu Picchu, on its peak above the jungle, is built in the massively precise Inca style of masonry Go to Machu Picchu, Peru in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Architecture American architecture Latin America Peru South America The first etchings are printed in Augsburg, from iron plates Go to Augsburg in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Prints Technology Germany Nanak, the first of the Sikh gurus, takes to the road as a wandering teacher Go to Nanak (1469–1539) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Religion Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) The first watches, made in Nuremberg, are spherical clocks about three inches in diameter, worn usually on a ribbon round the neck Go to clocks and watches in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Germany The first modern lock gates are installed on a canal in Milan, probably designed by Leonardo da Vinci Go to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Canals Technology Engineering Europe Italy Society Faenza becomes the main centre for the production of the Italian tin-glazed earthenware known as majolica Go to majolica in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Europe Italy Leonardo argues that fossils in rocks far above the sea imply not the effects of the Flood but a change in the level of an ancient sea bed Go to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Science Europe Italy The female mamakuna and the male yanakuna are selected in childhood to serve the Inca state Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Latin America Peru South America Portuguese explorer Pedro Cabral, with a fleet of thirteen ships, makes landfall in Brazil Go to Cabral, Pedro Álvares (1467–1520) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Portuguese empire Society Empires Latin America Brazil South America The Inca empire has about 25,000 miles of well-serviced roads, designed for caravans of llamas Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Latin America Peru South America The Portuguese establish trading posts in east Africa, on the coast of Mozambique Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires European diseases bring death on a massive scale to an American population that has no immunity Go to Aboriginals and European diseases in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Medicine European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America The Salic law, preventing inheritance of the throne by or through a woman, is by now accepted as a fundamental law of France Go to Salic law in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Europe France In Cuzco's great temple, the sacrifices are usually of llamas, occasionally of humans Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Religion Latin America Peru South America Ceramic artists in Italy decorate large majolica dishes with scenes of narrative history, giving this style the name istoriato Go to istoriato in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Europe Italy
1501	The 14-year-old Ismail I is enthroned as shah of a new Persian dynasty, the Safavids Go to Ismail I, Shah of Iran (1487–1524) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Michelangelo begins work in Florence on a tall thin slab of marble, which he transforms into David Go to Michelangelo (1475–1564) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Italian art Florence Europe Italy Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci sets sail from Lisbon to explore to the south of the New World Go to Vespucci, Amerigo (1454–1512) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Europe Portugal Society Latin America South America
1502	Vasco da Gama wins a trading treaty for Portuguese merchants after bombarding the Indian port of Calicut into submission Go to da Gama, Vasco (c. 1469–1524) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1503	The marriage of James IV, king of Scotland, to Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII, leads a century later to the Union of the Crowns Go to James IV (b. 17 Mar. 1473) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Hieronymus Bosch paints the most detailed of his exotically surreal canvases, The Garden of Earthly Delights Go to Bosch, Hieronymus (c.1450) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Flemish and Dutch painting Europe Belgium Netherlands The Portuguese set up a trading post on the east African island of Zanzibar Go to Zanzibar in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1504	Babur captures Kabul, making it and eastern Afghanistan the first possession of the Mughal empire Go to Mughal Empire in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Empires
1505	The Portuguese establish a presence in Sri Lanka, trading in the island's crop of cinnamon Go to Sri Lanka in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Sri Lanka Europe Society Empires Leonardo captures the enigmatic smile of Lisa Gherardini, known now as the Mona Lisa Go to Mona Lisa [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Italy Pope Julius II summons Michelangelo to Rome to create the pope's own elaborately sculpted tomb Go to Julius II (1443–1513) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Papacy Italian art Rome Europe Italy
1506	Julius II, together with the architect Bramante, lays the foundation stone for the new St Peter's Go to Julius II (1443–1513) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe Italy
1507	The editor of a pamphlet proposes that the recently found continent should be named America after the explorer Amerigo Vespucci Go to Vespucci, Amerigo (1454–1512) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Society Latin America North America
1508	Michelangelo begins work in Rome on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel Go to sinister in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Rome Europe Italy Raphael is summoned to Rome by Julius II and is given a major commission for frescoes Go to Raphael (1483–1520) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Rome Europe Italy
1509	Raphael begins work on the frescoes in the pope's apartment in the Vatican, known as the Stanze ('Rooms') Go to Raphael (1483–1520) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Papacy Italian art Europe Italy On the death of his father, and as the result of the death of his elder brother Arthur, Henry VIII becomes king of England Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1510	Erasmus and Thomas More take the northern Renaissance in the direction of Christian humanism Go to humanism in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English British Isles Europe Belgium Netherlands Britain Giorgione and Titian introduce the richness of colour which characterizes the high Renaissance style in Venice Go to High Renaissance in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe Italy The Portuguese seize Goa and make it their colonial capital in India Go to Goa (India) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires The startling colour contrasts in Michelangelo's Sistine ceiling anticipate one of the main characteristics of Italian mannerism Go to Mannerism in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Italy The painter Giorgione dies after a short but extremely influential life in Venice Go to Giorgione (c.1477) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe Italy
1511	The earliest surviving curling stone, discovered in Scotland, dates from this year Go to curling in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Sports and games Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain The Portuguese take control of Malacca, in the Malay peninsula, as a base for trade further east Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1512	The Portuguese make treaties in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands), to trade in cloves and nutmeg Go to Moluccas in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1513	James IV of Scotland dies at Flodden, in the disastrous defeat of his army by the English Go to James IV (b. 17 Mar. 1473) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches the Pacific coast and claims the ocean for the king of Spain Go to Balboa, Vasco Núñez de (1475–1519) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Central America Mexico On the death of his father at Flodden, the one-year-old James V becomes king of Scotland Go to James V (b. 10 Apr. 1512) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Eucharius Rösslin publishes the first textbook for midwives, later translated into English as The byrthe of mankynde Go to midwife in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Medicine
1514	Thomas Wolsey begins to build himself a palace at Hampton Court, but will later consider it politic to give it to Henry VIII Go to Hampton Court palace in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Portuguese capture Hormuz and establish a garrison to control the Gulf of Oman Go to Hormuz in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia West Asia Europe Empires
1515	Louis XII is succeeded on the French throne by his cousin and son-in-law, Francis I Go to Francis I (1494–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France The king of France, Francis I, wins a dramatic victory at Marignano and captures Milan Go to Francis I (1494–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance War Battles Europe France Italy The Spanish complete the conquest of Cuba and establish the town of Havana Go to Havana (Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1516	The death of Ferdinand II results in Spain becoming part of the Habsburg empire, under the rule of Charles V (as Charles I of Spain) Go to Habsburg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Austrian empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Austria Spain Empires Catherine of Aragon gives birth to a daughter, Mary, who becomes the only one of her six children to live beyond infancy Go to Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The original ghetto is established as a district to which the Jews of Venice are confined Go to Ghetto in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Venice Europe Italy Ariosto, in Orlando Furioso, tells of Roland's madness when he is abandoned by the pagan princess Angelica Go to Orlando Furioso in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe Italy Erasmus publishes an influential edition of the New Testament in its original Greek Go to Erasmus (d. c.300) in The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (5 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Europe Belgium Netherlands
1517	The Ottoman sultan, Selim I, captures Cairo and ends Mameluke rule in the middle east Go to Selim I (c. 1470–1520) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Empires The last Abbasid caliph, captured by the Ottoman Turks, is taken as a prisoner to Istanbul - ending the authentic line of 'successors' to Muhammad Go to Caliph/Caliphate in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Caliphs Islam Turks Asia West Asia Turkey From Bosnia to Egypt and Arabia, the Ottoman Turks now rule the largest Muslim empire since the early caliphate Go to Ottoman empire in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Europe Empires Leonardo da Vinci moves to France, on the invitation of Francis I Go to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting French painting Italian painting French art Italian art Europe France Italy The local sale of indulgences by Johann Tetzel outrages a friar teaching in Wittenberg, Martin Luther Go to Tetzel, Johann (c.1464–1519) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Monasticism Germany Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany
1518	Philipp Melanchthon joins the Wittenberg university to teach Greek and inspires Luther to translate the New Testament Go to Melanchthon, Philipp (1497–1560) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Germany
1519	The Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes lands on the coast of Mexico with 600 men, 16 horses and about 20 guns Go to Cortés, Hernando (1485–1547) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Ferdinand Magellan and a small fleet depart from Seville, attempting to sail round the world Go to Magellan, Ferdinand (c. 1480–1521) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Europe Spain Society Charles V borrows 852,000 florins, mainly from the Fuggers, to bribe the seven imperial electors Go to Charles V (1500–58) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Austria Empires Montezuma welcomes Hernan Cortes to his capital, Tenochtitlan, under the impression that he is the returning god-king Quetzalcoatl Go to Tenochtitlán, Mexico in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Spanish empire Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Cortes and his tiny force capture Montezuma, ruler of the mighty Aztec empire, in his palace at Tenochtitlan Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1520	The German painter Hans Holbein the Younger establishes his own studio in Basel Go to Holbein, Hans (1497–1543) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Arts Painting Switzerland Europe's new printing presses make possible the first pamphlet war, spreading instant arguments for and against the Reformation Go to Reformation in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Printing Religion Christianity Technology Luther's writings are burnt in Rome by order of the pope Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Germany Italy Cortes loses control of Tenochtitlan and has to escape in haste with his men during 'the Sorrowful Night' Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico The English and French kings, Henry VIII and Francis I, feast and parley on the Field of Cloth of Gold Go to Field of Cloth of Gold (1520) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe France Eighty distinguished Swedish citizens are executed together on the main square, in what becomes known as the Stockholm Bloodbath Go to Stockholm Bloodbath in The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Persecution and repression Europe Sweden Mannerism develops in Italy in the work of the painters Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino Go to Mannerism in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Italy
1521	Pope Leo X excommunicates Martin Luther after he has refused to recant Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Germany Italy Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan crosses the Pacific in ninety-nine days and reaches Guam Go to Magellan, Ferdinand (c. 1480–1521) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Society Luther travels to the German city of Worms to present his case to an imperial diet Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany Ferdinand Magellan is killed in the Philippines, in a skirmish with natives Go to Magellan, Ferdinand (c. 1480–1521) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Society Luther bears witness to a Protestant conscience, stating at Worms: 'Here I stand, I can not do otherwise.' Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany The Turkish sultan, Suleiman I, marches into the kingdom of Hungary and captures Belgrade Go to Suleiman I (1494–1566) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires After a little more than a year Cortes recaptures Tenochtitlan and finally establishes Spanish control over Mexico Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Ignatius of Loyola, recovering from a wound received as a soldier at Pamplona, is inspired by reading the lives of the saints Go to Loyola, Ignatius, St (1491–1556) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Spain
1522	Outlawed by the Edict of Worms, Luther lives secretly in the Wartburg as Junker Georg Go to Beveridge, William Henry, Baron (1879–1963) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Germany Huldreich Zwingli eats sausage in Lent in Zurich, launching the Swiss Reformation Go to Zwingli, Ulrich (1484–1531) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Switzerland One surviving ship of Magellan's fleet, the Victoria, returns to Sanlucar, in Spain, with Sebastian Cano in command Go to d'Abbadie, Antoine (1810–1897) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Europe Spain Society
1523	Hans Sachs, popular poet and master singer, describes Luther as the Wittenberg nightingale Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Germany The Vasa dynasty in Sweden begins with the seizing of the throne by Gustavus I Go to Gustavus I (Vasa) (1496–1560) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
1524	William Tyndale studies in the university at Wittenberg and plans to translate the Bible into English Go to Tyndale, William (c.1494–1536) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English German literature Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Germany Britain
1525	The French king, Francis I, is taken prisoner by the Spanish at the battle of Pavia Go to Francis I (1494–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance War Battles Europe France Italy Luther, a former friar, marries Catherine von Bora, a former nun who has just emerged from her convent Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Monasticism Social and domestic Germany Society The Inca emperor, Huayna Capac, dies in an epidemic of a western disease, smallpox Go to smallpox in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Latin America Peru South America Ruling respectively from Cuzco and Quito, Huáscar and Atahualpa compete for the empire of their father, Huayna Capac Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Latin America Peru South America Conrad Grebel baptises an adult, causing outrage in Protestant Zurich Go to Grebel, Conrad (c.1498–1526) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Switzerland Thomas Müntzer leads the rebels in the Peasant War, to the profound displeasure of Luther Go to Peasants' War (1524–26) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity War Germany Muslims throughout Spain are ordered to convert to Christianity or to leave the kingdom Go to Islam in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Islam Europe Spain The conquistadors, settling on land granted to them after the conquest, begin the long process of European emigration to America Go to conquistadores in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Lucas Cranach's studio in Wittenberg has a profitable line in naked female figures from mythology Go to Cranach, Lucas the Elder (1472) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Germany
1526	In a battle at Panipat Babur defeats the sultan of Delhi, launching the Mughal empire in India Go to Babur (1483–1530) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires The Hungarian king, Louis II, is killed in battle at Mohacs, where the Turks win a crushing victory Go to Protestant in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Turks Europe Hungary Hans Holbein the Younger pays his first visit to England, and stays with Thomas More in Chelsea Go to Holbein, Hans (1497–1543) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Arts Painting British painting British art British Isles Europe Britain
1527	Pope Clement VII hides in Castel Sant'Angelo while Rome is sacked by German mercenaries Go to Clement VII (1478–1534) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Papacy War Rome Europe Italy Francis I begins to transform Fontainebleau into a palace, employing artists who establish the mannerist school of Fontainebleau Go to Fontainebleau School in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture French architecture Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France Victory at Khanua, over a Hindu confederation of Rajput rulers, brings Babur a tenuous control over most of northwest India Go to Babur (1483–1530) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires Gustavus I of Sweden fills his coffers by appropriating the property of Catholic churches and monasteries Go to Gustavus I (1496–1560) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe
1528	Discussion of Henry VIII's proposed divorce hinges on rival verses from the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy and Leviticus Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Judaism British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain In a desperate attempt to retain royal favour, when suspected by the king of opposing his divorce, Cardinal Wolsey gives his spectacular Hampton Court Palace to Henry VIII Go to Wolsey, Thomas (c. 1474–1530) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1529	After the fall of Wolsey, Henry VIII appoints Thomas More as his Lord Chancellor Go to More, Sir Thomas (1478–1535) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The 'Protestation' of various princes and imperial cities at Speyer identifies them as Protestants Go to Protestant in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany Protestant reformers Luther and Zwingli disagree at Marburg on the nature of the Eucharist Go to Eucharist in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Germany
1530	Ahmad ibn Ibrahim leads Muslim Somalis in a holy war against Christian Ethiopia, destroying churches and shrines Go to Ethiopia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Islam Africa East Africa Ethiopia Francisco Pizarro sails from Panama to attempt the conquest of Peru Go to Pizarro, Francisco (c. 1478–1541) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Peru South America Charles V gives Malta to the Knights of St John at an annual rental of one falcon Go to Hospitallers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe The Augsburg Confession, presented by Melanchthon to the imperial diet, defines the Lutheran faith Go to Augsburg, Confession of (1530) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany Atahualpa defeats and kills his half-brother Huáscar, thus winning control of the entire Inca empire Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Dynasties and royalty Latin America Peru South America German botanist Otto Brunfels publishes Living images of plants, the first serious work of natural history with printed illustrations Go to Brunfels, Otto (c.1489–1534) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Prints Science Life sciences Technology Germany The first Mughal emperor, Babur, dies in India and is succeeded by his son, Humayun Go to Babur (1483–1530) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1531	The Aztec Virgin of Guadalupe appears to an Indian near Mexico City and tells him she is 'one of his kind' Go to Virgin of Guadalupe in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Latin America Central America Mexico The Protestant princes of Germany form the defensive League of Schmalkalden Go to Schmalkaldic League in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Germany Zwingli is killed at Kappel in a battle between Protestant and Catholic cantons Go to Zwingli, Ulrich (1484–1531) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Battles Switzerland Francisco Pizarro leads 168 men, with about 30 horses, into the territory of the Inca empire Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1532	François Rabelais publishes Pantagruel, the first to appear of his five books about the giant Pantagruel and his father Gargantua Go to Rabelais, François in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France Pizarro and his tiny force ambush and massacre the Inca court in Cajamarca, capturing Atahualpa himself alive Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America Atahualpa agrees to buy his freedom from the Spaniards with a room full of gold and another of silver Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1533	In a secret ceremony Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn, though he has not yet succeeded in divorcing Catherine of Aragon Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Although the ransom has been paid, Atahualpa is executed by the Spaniards — who ensure that he dies a Christian Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America The Spanish conquistadors capture and sack the Inca capital of Cuzco, high in the Andes Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America Thomas Cranmer, the archbishop of Canterbury, declares Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon null and void Go to Cranmer, Thomas (1489–1556) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Anne Boleyn has a child (the future Elizabeth I) but not of the sex her husband wanted Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, makes Titian his court painter (an arrangement continued by Philip II) Go to Titian (1487) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Arts Painting Europe Spain
1534	French explorer Jacques Cartier charts the Gulf of St Lawrence and, in 1525, explores up the river as far as Montreal Go to Cartier, Jacques (1491–1557) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Society North America Canada Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy forces prominent figures in English public life to accept him on oath as head of the Church of England Go to Church of England in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Portuguese force the local ruler to cede to them the island of Bombay Go to Bombay in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Paris wakes up to find Protestant placards all over the place, mocking the sacrament of the mass Go to Protestantism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Europe France
1535	Cartier, welcomed by the Huron Indians, gives their island in the St Lawrence river the name of Montreal Go to Montreal (Canada, France, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration American Indians Society North America Canada Thomas More refuses to take the oath accepting the Act of Supremacy and is beheaded Go to More, Thomas (1477) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1536	Henry VIII begins the process of gathering in the wealth of England's monasteries Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Wales is merged within the English kingdom as a principality Go to Wales, principality of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain William Tyndale is captured in Antwerp, condemned as a heretic and strangled at the stake Go to Tyndale, William (c.1494–1536) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Christianity Belgium Netherlands Christian III seizes the wealth of Danish churches and monasteries, before turning his attention to those of Norway Go to Christian III (1503–59) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe Denmark Norway Manco Inca begins a siege of the Spaniards in Cuzco that lasts for a year Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America The reign of Christian III begins three centuries in which Norway is administered as little more than an annexe of Denmark Go to Christian III (1503–59) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Denmark Norway Henry VIII's queen, Anne Boleyn, is beheaded in the Tower of London on unsubstantiated charges of adultery Go to Anne Boleyn (b. c.1501) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Henry VIII marries Jane Seymour, eleven days after the execution of Anne Boleyn Go to Jane Seymour (b. c.1509) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty
1537	With the end of the siege of Cuzco, and the flight of Manco Inca, the Spanish have full control of Peru Go to Peru (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America Jane Seymour gives birth to Henry VIII's long-awaited male heir (the future Edward VI) Go to Edward VI (b. 12 Oct. 1537) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Jane Seymour dies twelve days after giving birth to Henry VIII's heir, the future Edward VI Go to Jane Seymour (b. c.1509) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1539	The Great Bible, commissioned by Henry VIII for use in every Anglican church, is published Go to Great Bible noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1540	Pope Paul III establishes Ignatius Loyola and his followers as the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits Go to Loyola, Ignatius, St (1491–1556) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe Italy Francisco Vasquez de Coronado penetrates far north and west of Texas in an expedition searching for gold Go to Coronado, Francisco Vásquez de in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America United States
1541	Protestant reformer John Calvin settles in Geneva and submits the city to a strict Christian rule Go to Calvin, John (1509–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Switzerland Suleiman I takes Buda (now Budapest), and by 1547 the Turks occupy almost the whole of Hungary Go to Suleiman I (c. 1494–1566) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Hungary Empires Francis Xavier, companion of Ignatius Loyola and the first missionary of the Counter-Reformation, sets sail from Lisbon Go to Francis Xavier, St (1506–52) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Portugal
1542	New Laws are passed in Spain, in an attempt to protect the Indians on the encomiendas of Spanish America Go to encomiendas in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America South America Francis Xavier reaches Goa, at the start of the great mission to the east that will last the nine years until his death Go to Francis Xavier, St (1506–52) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pope Paul III establishes the Roman Inquisition, with the specific task of fighting against the Protestant heresy Go to Inquisition, Roman in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Henry VIII's fourth wife, Catherine Howard, is beheaded on a charge of adultery with Thomas Culpeper Go to Howard, Catherine (c. 1521–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Britain A one-week-old Scottish infant, daughter of James V, inherits the throne as Mary Queen of Scots Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1543	Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus publishes a book suggesting that the earth moves round the sun Go to Deep Space 1 in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Astronomy and space Europe Poland The first Europeans reach Japan by accident, blown ashore in a storm Go to Japan in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Migration Asia East Asia Japan Society Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius publishes a seven-volume work which for the first time lays bare human anatomy See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Europe Belgium Netherlands Humayun, driven west into Afghanistan by Sher Shah, loses his family's new inheritance in India Go to Humayun (1508–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty War Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1545	Rich seams of silver are discovered at Potosi, in modern Bolivia Go to Potosí in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America 3000 Waldenses are massacred as heretics in the villages of Provence Go to Waldenses noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Europe France Ambroise Paré, the greatest surgeon of his day, publishes an account of how to treat gunshot wounds Go to Paré, Ambroise (c.1510–90) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Europe France The Italian players of the commedia dell'arte first feature in the records in this year See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Performing arts Theatre Europe Italy A council of the Roman Catholic church is convened in Trent, to establish the tenets of the Counter-Reformation See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Europe Italy
1546	David Beaton, the archbishop of St Andrews, burns a leading Protestant, George Wishart, as a heretic and is murdered in retaliation Go to Beaton, David (c.1494–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1547	Hungary is divided, by agreement between the Turkish sultan Suleiman I and the Habsburg ruler Ferdinand I Go to Suleiman I (c. 1494–1566) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Habsburgs Politics Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Austria Hungary Empires On the death of Henry VIII his 10-year-old son becomes king of England as Edward VI Go to Edward VI (b. 12 Oct. 1537) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Ivan IV is crowned tsar of Russia and becomes known as Ivan the Terrible Go to Ivan IV (1530–84) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia The first book describing the game of draughts, or checkers, is published in Spain Go to draughts noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Sports and games Europe Spain Society John Knox is captured in St Andrews and is sent to serve in the French fleet as a galley slave Go to Knox, John (1514–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1548	La Paz is founded on the trade route between Lima and the newly discovered silver mines at Potosi Go to La Paz (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Uruguay, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America South America
1549	Brazil becomes a Portuguese royal province, under the control of a governor general Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Portuguese empire Empires Latin America Brazil South America The first Portuguese governor general of Brazil selects Bahia (now Salvador) as his capital Go to Bahia (Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Europe Empires Latin America Brazil South America The first version of the English prayer book, or Book of Common Prayer, is published with text by Thomas Cranmer Go to Book of Common Prayer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain Joachim du Bellay publishes a manifesto for the group of new French poets who become known as the Pléiade Go to Pléiade, Ia in The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France
c. 1550	Africans, bought in the Portuguese trading posts of west Africa, are shipped across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Latin America The Mongols, increasingly dominated by their neighbours in Manchuria, submit to them and are accepted by the Manchus as vassals Go to vassal noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia The tinderbox provides a new way of making fire - with just flint, steel and tinder Go to flint noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Spanish galleons assemble each year at Portobelo to deliver European goods and to ship home the metals of Latin America Go to Portobelo (Panama) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Pierre de Ronsard publishes the first four books of his Odes Go to Ronsard, Pierre de (1524–85) in The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature French literature Poetry Europe France
1553	Mary I succeeds to the English throne, and devotes her energies to the restoration of the Catholic faith Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1554	Mary I causes grave offence in England by her marriage to the Catholic heir to the king of Spain Go to Philip II (1527–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Spain Rulers and politicians Britain Thomas Wyatt raises a Protestant rebellion in Yorkshire and marches south in a failed attempt to depose the English queen, Mary I Go to Wyatt, Sir Thomas (c. 1521–54) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Britain Mary I arrests her younger sister Elizabeth under suspicion of complicity in the Wyatt Rebellion, but she can find no proof Go to Wyatt's Rebellion (February 1554) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Britain
1555	The Muscovy Company is granted a monopoly by the crown to trade with Russia, as the first of the English chartered companies Go to Russia Company in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Commerce and industry British Isles Europe Society Britain The Peace of Augsburg achieves a compromise which for a while solves the religious tensions deriving from the Reformation Go to Augsburg, Peace of (1555) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Germany Civil war within India enables Humayun to win a battle at Sirhind and recover the Mughal throne Go to Humayun (1508–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires The Protestant martyrs, though few in number, ensure the reputation of Bloody Mary in English history Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1556	Charles V abdicates, handing the Netherlands and Spain to his son Philip and the title of Holy Roman emperor to his brother Ferdinand Go to Charles V (1500–58) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Austria Spain Empires Humayun dies and Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, inherits the throne at the age of thirteen Go to Akbar (b. 1542) in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires Thomas Cranmer is burnt at the stake in Oxford, after reasserting his Protestant beliefs Go to Cranmer, Thomas (1489–1556) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Christianity Europe Britain The division by Charles V of his territories means that there are now two Habsburg empires, Austrian and Spanish Go to Charles V (1500–58) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Austrian empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Austria Spain Empires
1557	Sinan completes his masterpiece, the mosque of Suleiman I in Istanbul Go to Sinan Abdul Menan (1588) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Empires The Portuguese establish a trading post on Macao, a small peninsula off the south coast of China Go to Macao in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1558	Elizabeth I succeeds peacefully to the throne of England, after the turmoil of Mary's Catholic reign Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain William Cecil, later Lord Burghley, becomes Elizabeth's principal secretary - and remains in the post for forty years Go to Cecil, William (1520–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Mary Queen of Scots marries the heir to the French throne, who a year later succeeds as Francis II Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Britain With its strong French connection, the Scottish royal name of Stewart begins to be spelt Stuart (there being no 'w' in native French words) Go to Stuart in A Dictionary of First Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1559	John Knox returns to Scotland from Geneva and inspires the Protestants to march on Edinburgh Go to Knox, John (1514–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Scotland British Isles Europe Britain A national synod of France's Protestants, the Huguenots, is convened in Paris Go to Huguenots in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Europe France
1560	A book to teach good handwriting is published by Gianfrancesco Cresci, with examples engraved on copper plates Go to Cresci, Gianfrancesco (Giovanni Francesco) (c.1534/5) in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Printing Prints Technology Europe Italy Tobacco is grown in Europe's physic gardens for its medicinal qualities Go to physic garden noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Life sciences A year after Mary has become queen of France, her husband Francis II dies Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Rulers and politicians Britain
1561	Mary Queen of Scots returns from France to Edinburgh, and to an inevitable clash with John Knox Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1563	Philip II begins construction of the palace and monastery known as the Escorial Go to Escorial in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture Europe Spain The Northern Seven Years' War breaks out between Denmark and Sweden Go to Seven Years War of the North (1563–70) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe Denmark
c. 1564	The bishop of Transylvania, Ferenc Dávid, preaches that only God the Father is divine, launching the Unitarian faith Go to Unitarianism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Europe Hungary Marlowe and Shakespeare are born in the same year, with Marlowe the older by two months Go to Marlowe, Christopher in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Drama British Isles Europe Britain Gabriele Fallopia invents the condom Go to condom noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Medicine
c. 1565	Pieter Brueghel the Elder depicts biblical events taking place among the peasants of the Netherlands countryside Go to Bruegel, Pieter (c.1525–69) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Flemish and Dutch painting Europe Belgium Netherlands Mary Queen of Scots marries her Catholic cousin, Henry Darnley Go to Darnley, Henry Stuart (1545–67) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1566	Mary Queen of Scots' secretary, David Rizzio, is dragged from her presence and stabbed to death Go to Rizzio, David (c. 1533–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Mary Queen of Scots' husband Darnley is treacherously involved in the murder of her secretary, Rizzio Go to Darnley, Henry Stuart (1545–67) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1567	The Book of Common Prayer and the New Testament are published in Welsh, to be followed by the complete Bible in 1588 Go to Book of Common Prayer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English Religion Christianity Wales British Isles Europe Britain Darnley is murdered, almost certainly at the instigation of Mary Queen of Scots' lover, Bothwell, whom she marries just three months later Go to Bothwell, James Hepburn in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The duke of Alba introduces a reign of terror in the Spanish Netherlands, by means of a tribunal known as the Council of Blood Go to Council of Blood (1567–8) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Persecution and repression Europe Belgium Netherlands A casket of letters seems to incriminate Mary Queen of Scots herself in the murder of her husband, Darnley Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The events of this year give the Protestant nobility the occasion and opportunity of deposing Mary Queen of Scots Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain On the removal of Mary from the Scottish throne, her one-year-old son succeeds her as James VI Go to James I (1566–1625) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1568	Discovery of the Solomon Islands by a Spanish ship prompts interest in a possible Terra Australis Incognita ('unknown southern land') Go to Terra Australis Incognita in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Mary Queen of Scots flees across the border to seek the help of her English cousin, Elizabeth, but finds herself kept under close guard Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1569	A rebellion in the north of England aims to put Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator publishes a map of the world, using the projection now known by his name Go to Mercator projection in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Prints Technology Europe Belgium Netherlands
c. 1570	Privateers frequent the Spanish main to plunder the richly laden caravels on their way home to Europe Go to privateers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Society Latin America Central America The Ashanti establish a powerful kingdom in present-day Ghana, with their capital at Kumasi Go to Ashanti in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Africa West Africa Palladio publishes I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura ('The Four Books of Architecture'), which include his influential designs for villas Go to Palladio, Andrea in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe Italy Pope Pius V excommunicates the English queen, Elizabeth I, causing a severe crisis of loyalty for her Catholic subjects Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Religion Christianity Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Italy Rulers and politicians Britain
1571	The Spanish governor general, Legazpi, makes his capital at Manila,and names the surrounding islands the Philippines after Philip II Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Akbar builds his new palace of Fatehpur Sikri close to the shrine of a Sufi saint Go to Fatehpur Sīkri (Uttar Pradesh/India) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires The Philippines and its governor general are placed under the authority of the Spanish governor of New Spain, ruling from Mexico City Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Spanish empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Empires Latin America Mexico Roberto di Ridolfi, a Florentine banker, coordinates a scheme to win the English throne for Mary Queen of Scots Go to Ridolfi Plot (1571) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles Florence British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Galleys are rowed into battle for the last time at Lepanto, ending a fighting career of some 2500 years Go to galley in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Battles Europe Greece Spanish and Venetian galleys defeat the Turks in the battle of Lepanto Go to Lepanto, Battle of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance War Battles Turks Venice Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Italy Spain Empires
1572	A massacre of French Protestants, known as the Huguenots, begins in Paris on St Bartholomew's Day Go to St Bartholomew's Day Massacre (23–24 August 1572) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Europe France Luis de Camoëns publishes The Lusiads, the poem which becomes Portugal's national epic Go to Camões, Luis de (1524–80) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature Poetry Europe Portugal Sea beggars seize the town of Brill and raise the flag of William of Orange (also known as William the Silent) Go to William I (the Silent) (1533–84) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Netherlands
1573	The tomb in Delhi of the Mughal emperor Humayun introduces the shape of dome which characterizes his dynasty's architecture Go to Humayun (1508–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires William of Orange declares himself a Calvinist and assumes the leadership of the united provinces of the Netherlands Go to William I (the Silent) (1533–84) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Netherlands Oda Nobunaga takes power into his own hands, after ruling for a while through the Ashikaga shogun Go to Oda Nobunaga (1534–82) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia Japan Venice cedes the island of Cyprus to the Turks, in spite of the Christian victory at Lepanto two years earlier Go to Lepanto, Battle of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Turks Venice Europe Italy The city of Alkmaar is saved when the Dutch breach their own dikes, threatening the Spanish troops with death by drowning Go to Alkmaar (Suriname, The Netherlands) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe Netherlands
1574	The Ottoman empire finally asserts control over the north African coast, in the footsteps of Muslim pirates Go to Ottoman Empire in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Africa North Africa Empires
1575	Stefan Báthory, prince of Transylvania, is elected king of Poland Go to Stefan Bátory (1533–86) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Poland The armies of Spain develop a powerful version of the ancient phalanx, which becomes known as the Spanish square Go to phalanx in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe Spain English sailor and slave-trader John Hawkins turns the top-heavy carrack into the more seaworthy galleon Go to Hawkins, Sir John (1532–95) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain Soft-paste porcelain, in imitation of true porcelain from China, is successfully created for the Medici in Florence Go to porcelain in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Florence Europe Italy
1576	The Pacification of Ghent unites all the provinces of the Netherlands in opposition to Spain Go to Ghent, Pacification of in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Belgium Netherlands Spain James Burbage builds London's first theatre and calls it the Theatre Go to Burbage, James (1530–97) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Performing arts Theatre British Isles Europe Britain Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe builds Uraniborg, on the island of Hven, and makes it the world's leading observatory Go to Brahe, Tycho (1546–1601) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Astronomy and space Europe Denmark
1577	Francis Drake sails from Plymouth, heading west for the Pacific and the East Indies Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Exploration British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain Domenikos Theotokopoulos moves to Spain, where he becomes known as El Greco Go to Establishment in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Europe Spain
1579	Francis Drake seizes a Spanish vessel laden with gold and silver in the Pacific, formerly a safe area for Spain Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Latin America South America The Union of Arras and the Union of Utrecht split the Netherlands into Catholic and Protestant camps Go to Arras, Union of in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Religion Christianity Europe Belgium Netherlands
c. 1580	Five tribal groups form a League of Five Nations, commonly known as the Iroquois League or Confederacy, against their common enemy the Huron Go to Iroquois Confederacy in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics American Indians North America A Spanish army marches into Portugal to claim the crown for the king of Spain, Philip II Go to Philip II (1527–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Portugal Spain The first Jesuit missionaries arrive in England, with Edmund Campion among their number Go to Campion, Edmund, St (1540–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Religion Christianity Monasticism British Isles Europe Britain Francis Drake returns to England after his three-year voyage round the world and is knighted by Queen Elizabeth on board his Golden Hind Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Exploration British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain French author Michel de Montaigne, in his library tower, produces Europe's first volume of essays – published in this year under the simple title Essais Go to Montaigne, Michel de in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France William Chamberlen invents the obstetrical forceps Go to forceps n. in A Dictionary of Nursing (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Medicine
1581	In the Oath of Abjuration the northern provinces of the Netherlands formally reject the rule of the Spanish king, Philip II Go to Philip II (1527–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Netherlands Spain The first dramatic ballet, the Balet Comique de la Reine, is presented during French wedding festivities Go to ballet de cour in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Dance Europe France Tasso, in Gerusalemme Liberata ('Jerusalem Liberated'), turns the first crusade into a romantic epic Go to Tasso, Torquato (1544–95) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Jerusalem Europe Italy Finland is granted the status of a separate grand duchy within the realm of Sweden Go to grand duchy noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Finland
1582	The new and more accurate Gregorian calendar is introduced by Gregory XIII in the papal states Go to Gregorian calendar in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Papacy Science Astronomy and space Europe Italy The 18-year-old William Shakespeare marries Anne Hathaway in Stratford-upon-Avon Go to Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Drama British Isles Europe Britain
1583	The Jesuit Matteo Ricci arrives in China, and becomes the first western student of Chinese civilization Go to Ricci, Matteo (1552–1610) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Monasticism Asia East Asia China Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland on behalf of England's queen Elizabeth Go to Gilbert, Sir Humphrey (c. 1539–83) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America Canada
1584	Two English ships, sent on reconnaissance by Walter Raleigh, reach Roanake Island off the coast of North Carolina Go to Raleigh, Sir Walter (c. 1552–1618) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America The local tribe of Indians, the Secotan, welcome the English visitors, offering them a profusion of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables in return for hatchets and axes Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America
1585	England's queen Elizabeth sends 6000 troops to support the Dutch rebels against Spain Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War British Isles Europe Netherlands Britain Catholics are now the martyrs in England, their numbers almost matching the Protestant martyrs of the previous reign Go to martyr in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, is settled by the first English colonists in America – with disastrous results Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States The English artist John White paints the everyday life of the Secotan Indians of America Go to White, John (1585–93) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting American painting British painting Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American art American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America United States
1586	Anthony Babington is involved in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne Go to Babington Plot (1586) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1587	Mary Queen of Scots, implicated in the Babington plot, is beheaded in Fotheringay castle Go to Babington Plot (1586) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Marlowe's first play, Tamburlaine the Great, introduces the swaggering blank verse of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama Go to Marlowe, Christopher in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama British Isles Europe Britain Venice opens the first modern bank (the Banco della Piazza di Rialto) for safe deposits and credit transfers Go to Venice in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Commerce and industry Venice Europe Italy Society A new group of English settlers arrives at Roanoke Island and makes a second attempt at a settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States Virginia Dare becomes the first English child to be born in America, on Roanoke Island Go to Dare, Virginia in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States Francis Drake sails into a crowded Cadiz harbour and destroys some thirty Spanish ships Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War British Isles Europe Spain Britain Nicholas Hilliard paints the delightful miniature known simply as Young Man among Roses Go to Hilliard, Nicholas (1547–1619) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Arts Painting British painting British art British Isles Europe Britain 16-year-old Abbas I, subsequently one of the greatest of shahs, inherits the throne of Persia Go to Abbas I (1571–1629) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
1588	The House of Orange becomes the leading family of the new Dutch republic Go to Orange, House of in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Netherlands The shogun's Tea Master awards a gold seal with the one word raku ('felicity') to a beautiful bowl, thus naming Japan's most famous ware Go to raku in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia Japan Seven provinces of the northern Netherlands consider themselves a new republic - the United Provinces Go to United Provinces of the Netherlands in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Netherlands The more nimble English fleet destroys the galleons of the Spanish Armada, introducing a new kind of naval warfare Go to Spanish Armada in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War British Isles Europe Spain Britain The tactics used against the Armada reveal that the sailing ships themselves have become fighting machines, as men-of-war Go to Spanish Armada in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War British Isles Europe Britain
1589	An English clergyman, William Lee, develops the world's first industrial machinery, to knit stockings Go to framework knitting in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Inventions and discoveries British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1590	Royal (or real) tennis is so popular in France that there are now said to be 250 courts in Paris alone Go to real tennis noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Sports and games Europe France Society Serfdom is introduced in Russia by Boris Godunov, whose measures tie the peasants to the land Go to serfdom in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Europe Russia Society An English ship, the first to arrive at Roanoke Island since 1587, finds no remaining trace of the settlers or their settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States Arjan, the fifth Sikh guru, builds many gurdwaras and commences the holy city of Amritsar Go to gurdwara noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) English poet Edmund Spenser celebrates the Protestant Elizabeth I as The Faerie Queene Go to Spenser, Edmund in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry British Isles Europe Britain Zacharias Janssen, a spectacle maker in the Dutch town of Middelburg, creates the first microscope Go to Lippershey, Hans (c.1570–1619) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe Netherlands The dome of St Peter's is finished, completing nearly a century of construction on Europe's largest church Go to St Peter's, Rome in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe Italy
1592	After tentative beginnings in the three parts of Henry VI, Shakespeare achieves his first masterpiece on stage with Richard III Go to Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama British Isles Europe Britain
1593	Henry IV becomes a Catholic so as to secure Paris and the throne of France Go to Henry IV in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe France
1594	Willem Barents sets off on the first of his three expeditions to find a passage to the east through the waters north of Russia Go to Barents, Willem (c. 1550–97) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Europe Russia Society
c. 1595	The writings of Matteo Ricci introduce Kung Fu Tzu to Europe under a Latin version of his name - Confucius Go to Confucius in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature Philosophy Asia East Asia China A year after Mercator's death, his son publishes a bound collection of his maps with the title Atlas, or Cosmographic Meditations Go to Mercator, Gerardus (1512–94) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Prints Technology Europe Belgium Netherlands The first Dutch expedition round the Cape reaches Java and secures trading agreements Go to Java in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Dutch empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Society Empires
1596	Tycho Brahe enters the service of the emperor Rudolf II in Prague, where he invites Johannes Kepler to join him Go to Brahe, Tycho (1546–1601) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Astronomy and space Bohemia Czech Republic Swiss botanist Gaspard Bauhin begins work classifying 6000 plants on a new binomial system of nomenclature Go to Bauhin, Gaspard (1550–1624) in A Dictionary of Plant Sciences (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Life sciences Switzerland A flush toilet is illustrated in an English pamphlet, The Metamorphosis of Ajax by John Harrington Go to Harington, Sir John (1561–1612) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Social and domestic British Isles Europe Society Britain
1597	Dafne is performed in Florence, becoming the first example of a new art form - opera Go to Daphne in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance Italian Renaissance Performing arts Music Opera Florence Europe Italy
1598	A manuscript, the Guildford Book of Court, uses the word 'creckett' for a game played in a Guildford school Go to cricket in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Sports and games British Isles Europe Society Britain Shah Abbas builds up Isfahan as a spectacular new capital of the Persian empire Go to Shah Abbas I (1587–1629) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) James VI of Scotland argues in an anonymous book that kings, appointed by God, are above human law Go to James VI (1566–1625) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The Edict of Nantes secures the civil rights of France's Protestants, the Huguenots Go to Nantes, Edict of (1598) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Europe France
1599	The Globe, where many of Shakespeare's plays are first performed, is built on Bankside in London Go to Globe Theatre in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Performing arts Theatre British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1600	The Yoruba develop an extensive empire centred on Oyo in southern Nigeria Go to Yoruba in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Africa West Africa William Gilbert, physician to Queen Elizabeth, concludes that the earth is a magnet and coins the term 'magnetic pole' Go to magnetic pole in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Science Physics British Isles Europe Britain A performance in the Oratory in Rome, with music by Emilio de' Cavalieri, is in effect the first oratorio Go to oratorio noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 17th century Baroque Italian Renaissance Performing arts Music Europe Italy Britain's East India Company is established when Elizabeth I grants a charter to a 'Company of Merchants trading into the East Indies' Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Commerce and industry British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain Electricity is given its name (in the Latin phrase vis electrica) by the English physician, William Gilbert Go to Gilbert, William (1540–1613) in A Dictionary of Earth Sciences (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Science Physics British Isles Europe Britain

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date: 11 October 2024

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