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Timeline: Italy

Years: c. 3250 BCE - 2008	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736506

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 3250 BCE	A neolithic herdsman dies near the Brenner Pass and is perfectly preserved in ice - to become, in 1991, by far the earliest human to be glimpsed in his everyday life, clothed and with implements Go to Similaun Man in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Neolithic Social and domestic Europe Austria Society
753 BCE	This year is later selected by Roman scholars as the date of the founding of Rome, becoming the first year (AUC 1) in Roman chronology Go to calendar, Roman in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Science Europe Greece
c. 750 BCE	The Etruscans establish Italy's first civilization, in the region between the Arno and the Tiber Go to Etruscans in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Europe Greece
c. 700 BCE	The island of Sicily is colonized from the eastern Mediterranean by both Phoenicians and Greeks Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Conquest and colonization The Phoenicians Sicily Europe Greece
c. 550 BCE	The murals of Etruscan tombs, such as the Tomb of the Lionesses in Tarquinia, give a lively glimpse of an earlier tradition in Greek art Go to Etruscan style in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Greece An Etruscan dynasty rules in Rome and Etruscan influence is now dominant throughout central Italy Go to Etruscans in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Rome Europe Greece
c. 530 BCE	The Greek colonists of Paestum, in southern Italy, build the first of their three superb temples Go to Paestum in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Architecture Italian architecture Europe Greece
c. 529 BCE	The Greek mathematician Pythagoras establishes himself, along with his followers, in southern Italy Go to Pythagoras (c.580–500 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Greek science Science Europe Greece
510 BCE	According to legend, the Etruscans are driven from Rome by popular outrage after the rape of Lucretia by Sextus Tarquinius Go to Lucretia (Europe) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Rome Europe The Roman senate becomes an executive body with two of its members elected annually as consuls, or joint heads of state Go to Roman Senate in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Politics Europe Greece
c. 500 BCE	The followers of Pythagoras discover the mathematical basis of the octave Go to octave in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Performing arts Music Europe Greece
c. 450 BCE	The followers of Pythagoras maintain that the earth revolves on its own axis and moves in an orbit Go to Philolāus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Greek science Science Astronomy and space Europe Greece
409 BCE	A Carthaginian army lands near Marsala to begin the long involvement of Carthage in Sicily Go to Sicily in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Greece
396 BCE	The Romans capture the nearby Etruscan town of Veii, beginning a long process of territorial expansion Go to Veii in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Greece
390 BCE	Celtic tribes , pushing south through the Alps, reach Rome and sack the city Go to Celt in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Celts Politics Rome Europe Greece Society
312 BCE	The first Roman road, the Via Appia, links Rome with Capua Go to via Appia in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Travel and transport Technology Engineering Rome Europe Greece Society
c. 300 BCE	The flexibility of the Roman legion transforms the Greek phalanx into an even more effective fighting machine Go to Roman legion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE War Europe Greece Vesta, goddess of the hearth, is served in Rome by virgin priestesses who tend the sacred flame in her shrine Go to Vestal virgin in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Religion Rome Europe Greece
299 BCE	The Roman siege technique is improved by the 'tortoise' which protects the attacking force Go to testudo in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Weapons Europe Greece
281 BCE	Pyrrhus lands in Italy, with 25,000 men and 20 elephants, to fight for the Greek colony of Tarentum against the Romans Go to Pyrrhus of Epiros (319–272 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Greece
264 BCE	A clash in Sicily, between Rome and Carthage, leads to the First Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Rome Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions The first gladiatorial contests in Rome are part of the entertainment at a funeral, and soon become popular Go to gladiator in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Performing arts Rome Europe Greece
260 BCE	A Carthaginian quinquereme, captured by the Romans, is used as the model for the first Roman fleet - constructed in two months Go to quinquereme in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions The new Roman fleet wins a decisive victory over the Carthaginians at Mylae, thanks largely to the 'raven' (corvus in Latin) Go to quinquereme in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 250 BCE	The Romans evolve a system of numerals which, until the end of the Middle Ages, is a handicap to western arithmetic Go to Roman numeral in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Science Europe Greece To help the king of Syracuse extract water from the hold of a ship (so the story goes), Archimedes invents the screw now known by his name Go to Archimedes' screw in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe Greece
241 BCE	A Roman naval victory at Trapani, off the northwest tip of Sicily, completes the blockade of the Carthaginians and ends the First Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Sicily Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions At the end of the First Punic War, Sicily becomes Rome's first overseas province Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Sicily Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
227 BCE	Sardinia and Corsica are annexed by Rome, becoming the second Roman overseas province Go to Sardinia in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
218 BCE	Hannibal crosses the Alps with his elephants, beginning the Second Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
217 BCE	Hannibal surprises and traps a Roman army on a narrow plain beside Lake Trasimene Go to Lake Trasimene, battle of (217 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Europe Wars and Revolutions
216 BCE	Hannibal destroys a Roman army at Cannae, in the most severe defeat ever suffered by Rome Go to Cannae, Battle of (216 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Punic Wars War Battles Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
196 BCE	The Romans, after defeating Macedon, announce at the Isthmian Games that all Greek states are now free under Roman protection Go to Flāminī'nus, Titus Qui'nctius (c.229–174 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Greece
c. 185 BCE	Plautus and Terence, in the second and third century BC, create a Roman drama based on Greek originals Go to Plautus, Titus Maccius (c.250–184 bc) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Greek literature Latin literature Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Europe Greece
c. 160 BCE	The Roman statesman Cato the Elder writes Origines ('Origins'), a history of Rome which survives only in fragments See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Latin literature Literature Rome Europe
149 BCE	Rome picks a quarrel with Carthage to begin the Third Punic War Go to Punic wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
146 BCE	Carthage is destroyed by the Romans at the end of the Third Punic War Go to Carthage in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Punic Wars War Africa North Africa Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions
139 BCE	A secret ballot is instituted for Roman citizens, who mark their vote on a tablet and place it in an urn Go to elections and voting in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Greece
133 BCE	The tribune Tiberius Gracchus is murdered by a mob which includes Roman senators Go to Gracchus, Tiberius Sempronius (c. 163–133bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe
121 BCE	The tribune Gaius Gracchus is murdered by an armed group, led by a consul, after which 3000 of his supporters are rounded up and executed Go to Gracchus, Tiberius Sempronius (c. 163–133bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe
101 BCE	A German tribe, the Cimbri, press into northern Italy until they are defeated at Vercellae and driven out of the peninsula Go to Cimbri in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Migration Battles Europe Society
90 BCE	A three-year war, known as the Social War, breaks out between Rome and her Italian allies Go to Social Wars in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE War Rome Europe
88 BCE	The Roman general Sulla takes the unprecedented step of marching upon Rome with a Roman army, to restore his own faction to power Go to Sulla, Publius Cornelius (c.138–78bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Protest and rebellion War Rome Europe
86 BCE	Sulla, campaigning to the east, besieges Athens and then allows his army to loot the city Go to Sulla, Publius Cornelius (c.138–78bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Ancient Athens Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Greece Gaius Marius, uncle of Julius Caesar, marches on Rome and massacres many of the supporters of Sulla See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
82 BCE	Sulla takes Rome for the second time, after a battle at the Colline Gate, and then publishes his lethal 'proscriptions' Go to proscriptions in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Protest and rebellion War Battles Rome Europe Sulla launches a massacre of his opponents and Julius Caesar is lucky to escape with his life, but his inheritance is confiscated Go to Sulla, Lucius Cornelius in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
81 BCE	Cicero, whose speeches become models of oratory, makes his first appearance in a Roman court Go to Cicero, Marcus Tullius in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Europe Greece
78 BCE	Sulla dies and Caesar returns to Rome, taking up a legal career as an advocate Go to Caesar, Julius (100–44 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
75 BCE	To improve his skills as an orator, Julius Caesar travels to Rhodes to study with Cicero's teacher, Apollonius Molon Go to Apollonius (9) Molon in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Greece Julius Caesar, captured by pirates on his way to Rhodes, warns them that he will crucify them - and later keeps his word Go to crucifixion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Europe Greece
73 BCE	A rebellion by Spartacus and other slaves from a gladiators' training camp at Capua lasts for two years before it is suppressed Go to Spartacus in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Greece
67 BCE	Julius Caesar marries Pompeia, a granddaughter of Sulla and a distant relative of Pompey Go to Pompeia in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
63 BCE	Caesar is elected Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest of the Roman state religion Go to Pontifex Maximus in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
62 BCE	An unproven rumour about Pompeia causes Caesar to divorce her on the grounds that 'Caesar's wife must be above suspicion' Go to Caesar in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
61 BCE	Caesar's numerous creditors prevent him leaving Rome until the immensely wealthy Marcus Licinius Crassus stands bail for some of his debts Go to Crassus, Marcus Licinius (c. 115–53 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
60 BCE	Back in Rome, Caesar stands in the election to become one of the two consuls for the year 59, and wins Go to Caesar, Julius (100–44 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Julius Caesar persuades Pompey and Crassus to join him in a political alliance to their mutual advantage, known now as the first triumvirate See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Europe Greece
59 BCE	The alliance between Pompey and Caesar is sealed when Pompey marries Caesar's only daughter, Julia Go to Pompey (106–48 bc) (‘the Great’ in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Caesar and Pompey use violence and intimidation to force through the senate a bill giving public land to retired soldiers (with Pompey's men at the head of the queue) Go to Pompey (106–48 bc) (‘the Great’ in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
58 BCE	At the end of his year as consul, Caesar travels north to become governor of northern Italy and southern France Go to Caesar, Julius in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Conquest and colonization Europe France Greece
53 BCE	The death of Crassus at Carrhae brings to an end the first triumvirate Go to Crassus, Marcus Licinius in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Greece
c. 50 BCE	Gladiators have metal studs on their boxing gloves, and a public bout is expected to go on until the loser dies Go to boxing in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Sports and games Europe Greece Society The senate, controlled by Pompey and his faction, orders Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome Go to Ru'bicon in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
49 BCE	Julius Caesar crosses the river Rubicon (the southern boundary of Gaul) with his army – and in doing so launches a civil war See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Greece Pompey flees from Rome at the approach of Caesar, and boards a ship at Brindisi to sail eastwards Go to Pompey (106–48 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Julius Caesar moves fast to drive Pompey's supporters from Italy and to crush forces loyal to him in Spain Go to Pharsalus, battle of (48 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe
48 BCE	Julius Caesar defeats his rival Pompey at Pharsalus, in Greece, and makes himself master of the Roman world Go to Pharsalus, Battle of (48 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Europe Greece
47 BCE	Cleopatra gives birth to a son and calls him Ptolemy XV Caesar (later known by the nickname Caesarion) Go to Caesa'rion (‘little Caesar’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
46 BCE	Vercingetorix is a prize exhibit in Caesar's great triumph in Rome, but the Celtic chieftain is strangled once the procession is over Go to Vercingetorix in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Celts Politics Europe Greece Society
45 BCE	Julius Caesar's new calendar is introduced, at a time when its predecessor has become out of step with the seasons by three months Go to calendar, Roman in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Science Astronomy and space Europe Greece
44 BCE	On March 15, the Ides of March, Julius Caesar is stabbed to death during a meeting of the senate Go to Caesar, Julius (100–44 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe Greece Mark Antony gives a dramatic speech in praise of Caesar, calming the crowd but also positioning himself for the next stage in an ongoing power struggle Go to Mark Antony (83–30 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Rome Europe Octavian, an 18-year-old student in Apollonia, hears that he has been named by his uncle, Julius Caesar, as his successor and heir Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Greece
43 BCE	Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus meet in Bologna and form an alliance known as the second triumvirate Go to triumvirate in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Europe
42 BCE	Octavian and Mark Antony defeat the armies of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi, after which Brutus and Cassius commit suicide Go to Mark Antony (83–30 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE War Battles Europe Greece
37 BCE	Virgil's reputation is established by his ten Eclogues, influenced by the Italian countryside in the region of his birth near Mantua Go to Virgil (70–19 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Poetry Europe Greece
c. 34 BCE	Maecenas buys a farm for Horace, in the Sabine hills near Tivoli - the most fruitful of his many acts of patronage Go to Maecenas (d. 8 bc) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Literature Europe Greece
31 BCE	Octavian defeats the forces of Antony and Cleopatra (both are at sea with their fleets) in a battle off the Greek coast at Actium Go to Actium, Battle of (31 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE War Battles Europe Greece
29 BCE	When Octavian's Egyptian hoard reaches Rome, the standard rate of interest falls from 12% to 4% Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Europe
27 BCE	Octavian is given the life-long title of Augustus by the senate in Rome, becoming in effect the first Roman emperor Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Greece Empires Livy begins writing and publishing his History of Rome, a task which will occupy him for forty years Go to Livy (59 bc–17ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Greece Empires
23 BCE	The first three books of Horace's Odes are published, written on his Sabine farm Go to Horace (c.65℃08 bc) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Poetry Europe Greece Empires
c. 20 BCE	The excellence of the arts, particularly literature, during the reign of Augustus Caesar causes it to be remembered as a golden age of culture Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Greece Empires A collection of witty love poems, entitled Amores, brings Ovid an early success Go to Ovid (43 bc–ad 18) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Poetry Europe Greece Empires Augustus Caesar puts a team of surveyors to work mapping the empire's 50,000 miles of roads, a task which will take them twenty years Go to Augustus (63 bc–ad 14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Politics Europe Greece Empires Roman author Vitruvius writes De Architectura, now generally known as The Ten Books of Architecture Go to Vitrū'vius Po'llio in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Europe Greece Empires
19 BCE	Virgil dies just after completing the Aeneid, and imperial command from Augustus Caesar prevents his executor from destroying the epic Go to Aeneid in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Greece Empires
c. 10 BCE	The period of stability achieved during the reign of Augustus Caesar has been given the name Pax Romana ('Roman peace') Go to Pax Augusta (‘The Augustan [or Roman] Peace’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Commerce and industry Europe Greece Society Empires
4	After the death of two of his grandsons, the emperor Augustus formally adopts his stepson Tiberius as his successor Go to Tiberius in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires Augustus Caesar insists on Tiberius adopting as his successor Germanicus, a talented young member of the imperial family Go to Iulius Caesar, Germanicus in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
5	Germanicus, designated eventual heir to the throne, marries Agrippina, granddaughter of the ruling emperor Go to Agrippina the Elder (c.14 bc–ad 33) in Who's Who in the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
14	The death of Augustus introduces half a century of chaos, as the members of his family compete ruthlessly for power Go to Tiberius in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Greece Empires Tiberius succeeds his stepfather Augustus Caesar as the Roman emperor Go to Tiberius in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
19	Germanicus, nephew and heir of the emperor Tiberius, dies when far away with the army in Syria Go to Iulius Caesar, Germanicus in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Europe Empires
37	Within the tangled and tormented web of the Roman imperial family, Gaius Caesar - nicknamed Caligula - inherits the throne Go to Caligula (12–41 ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
41	Claudius, after the assassination of his nephew Caligula, is selected as emperor by the praetorian guards Go to Claudius (ad 41–54) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
c. 50	The Roman surgeon Cornelius Celsus describes in De Medicina how to cut stones from a patient's bladder Go to Cornelius Celsus, Aulus in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Science Medicine Europe Empires A working week of seven days is adopted in Rome, based on the seven known planets (whose names provide the days) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Social and domestic Europe Greece Society Empires
54	The 16-year-old Nero is proclaimed emperor by the praetorian guards after the death of Claudius, supposedly poisoned by toadstools Go to Nero, Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus (c. 37–68 ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
c. 60	St Peter, believed to have come to Rome as leader of the Christian community, is subsequently considered the first pope Go to Peter, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Greece St Paul arrives in Rome a prisoner, but then spends two years freely preaching Christianity Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Religion Christianity Rome Europe Greece Empires
64	A great fire in Rome is popularly believed to have been started by Nero, whom legend also accuses of fiddling while the city burns Go to Nero (54–68 ce) in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Social and domestic Rome Europe Greece Society Empires Early Christian tradition states that both Peter and Paul meet death in Rome as martyrs, possibly as a result of the fire of AD 64 Go to Nero (54–68 ce) in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Religion Christianity Rome Europe Greece
66	Nero comes to Athens to give some of his officially celebrated performances at the Greek games Go to Nero, Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus (c. 37–68 ad) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Ancient Athens Performing arts Europe Greece Empires
69	A rebellion in Spain prompts such chaos that Rome has four emperors within a year, after the suicide of Nero in 68 Go to Roman civil wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Rome Europe Empires Vespasian, proclaimed emperor by his troops in Alexandria, is the survivor among this year's four emperors Go to Vespasian (ad 9–79) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires
79	Titus becomes emperor on the death of his father, Vespasian, and begins a brief two-year reign of lavish public generosity Go to Titus (ad 39–81) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires A sudden eruption of Vesuvius buries the town of Pompeii in volcanic ash, in places twelve feet deep Go to Vesuvius in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Social and domestic Europe Greece Society Empires
80	The Colosseum is inaugurated by the emperor Titus with games lasting 100 days, in which some 9000 large animals are killed Go to Colosseum in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Sports and games Europe Greece Society Empires
81	Dying after a reign of only two years, Titus is succeeded on the imperial throne by his brother, Domitian Go to Domitian (ad 51–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
98	Tacitus begins his career with two specialized but influential works of history, one on Britain and the other on Germany Go to Tacitus, Cornelius (c.ad 55–after 115) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Greece Empires Trajan, succeeding to the imperial throne in AD 98, is sufficiently confident to spend a year in Germany before returning to Rome Go to Trajan (c. 53–117 ad) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Germany Empires
c. 100	A cult develops in Rome of the Egyptian goddess Isis, credited with restoring to life her husband, Osiris, after he has been hacked to pieces Go to Isis in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Roman empire Religion Rome Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires Sculptors in the Roman empire develop the most brutally realistic convention in the history of portraiture Go to verism in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Roman empire Arts Sculpture Italian art Europe Empires
117	Hadrian, governing Syria when he is declared emperor, is confident enough to delay almost a year before returning to Rome Go to Hadrian in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Europe Empires
c. 120	The Pantheon, roofed with the most spectacular dome of antiquity, is built in Rome by Hadrian Go to Pantheon in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Rome Europe Greece Empires
c. 125	Suetonius, librarian to Trajan and personal secretary to Hadrian, is well placed to research his racy Lives of the Caesars Go to Suetonius (ad c.70–c.140) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Latin literature Roman empire Literature Europe Greece Empires
134	The Sant'Angelo bridge in Rome, still standing today, is built for the emperor Hadrian by means of a coffer dam Go to Hadrian in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Technology Engineering Europe Empires
138	The emperor Hadrian, with no children of his own, appoints a respected senator, Antoninus Pius, to succeed him Go to Antoninus Pius in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
161	Marcus Aurelius, for long the designated heir, becomes emperor on the death of Antoninus Pius Go to Aurelius, Marcus in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
c. 165	The bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, on the Capitol in Rome, begins a long European tradition of public sculpture Go to Marcus Aurelius in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Arts Sculpture Italian art Europe Empires
c. 170	Marcus Aurelius is rare among emperors in writing twelve books of philosophical Meditations Go to Aurelius, Marcus in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Latin literature Roman empire Literature Philosophy Europe Empires
c. 244	Plotinus, moving from Alexandria to Rome, teaches the influential philosophy later known as Neo-Platonism Go to Plotinus (205–270) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Latin literature Literature Philosophy Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt Europe
c. 250	The Christians of Rome use the catacombs as tomb chambers, and decorate the walls with murals on New Testament themes Go to catacombs in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Arts Painting Italian painting Religion Christianity Italian art Rome Europe Greece
274	The emperor Aurelian, grateful for the apparent assistance of a Syrian sun god, establishes the cult of the Unconquered Sun - whose birthday is December 25 Go to Aurelian (c.215–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Roman empire Religion Asia West Asia Europe Greece Empires
284	Diocletian, commanding an army near the Bosphorus in Thracia, is proclaimed emperor by his troops Go to Diocletian (284–305) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
306	Constantine's father, recently appointed Augustus in the west, dies at York and the young man is proclaimed Augustus in his place by the legions in Britain Go to Constantine (c. 274–337) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Roman Britain Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires Britain
312	Constantine, preparing for battle against a rival at the Milvian Bridge, orders his men to wear a Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, on their shields Go to Christogram in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe Greece Empires After winning the battle at Milvian Bridge, Constantine marches into Rome and is formally acknowledged by the Senate as Augustus of the west Go to Milvian Bridge in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Rome Europe Greece Empires
313	Constantine meets his co-emperor Licinius in Milan, and persuades him to follow a policy of encouraging the Christians Go to Licinius in Who's Who in the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe Empires
c. 315	Constantine founds several churches in Rome, among them the first St Peter's Go to St Peter's, Rome in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Greece Empires
c. 320	Constantine's new churches in Rome introduce an important element in church architecture, the transept Go to transept in The Oxford Companion to Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Rome Europe Empires Roman mosaic is at its most lavish in the floors of Piazza Armerina, in central Sicily Go to Piazza Armerina in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Arts Italian art Sicily Europe Empires
325	Constantine executes Licinius in Thessalonica on a charge of attempted rebellion, a year after defeating him in battle Go to Licinius (308–324) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Europe Greece Empires
390	St Ambrose asserts the authority of the church, refusing communion to the emperor Theodosius in Milan until he does penance for a massacre Go to Ambrose, St (c.339–97) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Europe Empires The church of Santa Pudenziana in Rome begins the great tradition of Christian mosaics Go to mosaics in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Arts Italian art Rome Europe
410	Alaric and the Visigoths enter Rome and plunder the city - the first foreign intruders for eight centuries Go to Visigoths (west *Goths) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Roman empire Migration War Rome Europe Society Empires
452	Attila invades and ravages northern Italy, but turns back before reaching Rome - possibly influenced by the diplomacy of Leo I Go to Leo I the Great in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Roman empire Migration War Rome Europe Society Empires
455	Gaiseric and the Vandals enter Rome and sack the city, but their violence is perhaps restrained by Leo I Go to Gaiseric (428) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Roman empire Migration War Rome Europe Society Empires
c. 460	The mausoleum of Galla Placidia begins Ravenna's great tradition of Christian mosaic Go to mosaics in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Arts Italian art Europe
476	The tribal leader and mercenary Odoacer becomes king of Italy - an event often taken as defining the end of the Roman empire in the west Go to Odoacer (433–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Empires
487	Theodoric the Ostrogoth, threatening Constantinople, is cunningly diverted by the emperor into invading Italy Go to Theodoric the Great in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Empires
493	Theodoric wins Ravenna from Odoacer - by inviting Odoacer to a banquet and murdering him during the meal Go to Theodoric the Great in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Empires
525	Dionysius Exiguus, commissioned by the pope to improve chronology, makes an error of at least four years in his selected event for AD 1 Go to Dionysius Exiguus (500) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Literature Religion Christianity Papacy Europe St Benedict gathers fellow hermits at Subiaco into a series of small monasteries Go to Benedict, St (c.480–c.550) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Boethius, in prison in Pavia and awaiting execution, writes the Consolation of Philosophy Go to Boethius (c. 480–524) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Latin literature Literature Philosophy Europe
526	By the end of his long reign Theodoric amply justifies his title 'the Great' and his place in legend as Dietrich von Bern Go to Dietrich of Bern in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
c. 530	St Benedict founds a monastery at Monte Cassino and writes a Rule for the monks which becomes the basis of the Benedictine order Go to Benedict, Rule of St in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
535	Belisarius lands in Sicily at the start of a five-year campaign to recover Ravenna for the Byzantine emperor Go to Ravenna in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Sicily Europe Empires
547	Justinian and Theodora, each with a retinue of attendants, face each other in mosaic from the walls of San Vitale in Ravenna Go to mosaic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Byzantine empire Arts Italian art Europe Empires
568	The Lombards invade northern Italy, and within four years occupy it as far south as the Po Go to Lombards in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Migration Europe Society
569	Fugitives from the Lombard invasion of northern Italy take refuge on islands in the Venetian lagoon - and become the founders of Venice Go to Venice in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Migration Venice Europe Society
c. 584	Byzantine Italy is brought under a new administration, or exarchate, based in Ravenna Go to Exarchate in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Byzantine empire Politics Europe Empires
592	Pope Gregory I negotiates with the Lombards who are threatening Rome Go to Gregory I, St (c.540–604) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Papacy Migration Europe Society
c. 610	St Columban founds a monastery at Bobbio, the furthest outpost of Celtic Christianity Go to Bobbio in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Celts Religion Christianity Europe Society
726	The Venetians for the first time elect their own doge, acting independently of the Byzantine governor in Ravenna Go to doge in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Byzantine empire Politics Democracy and dissent Venice Europe Empires
756	Pepin III, after recovering Byzantine territories in Italy from the Lombards, hands control of the region to the pope in Rome Go to Patrimony of St Peter in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Papacy Europe Empires
774	After two campaigns in Lombardy, Charlemagne establishes himself as king of the Lombards in northern Italy Go to Lombardy (Canada, Italy) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe
800	In St Peter's in Rome, on Christmas Day, pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne emperor - supposedly to Charlemagne's surprise Go to Leo III, St (d. 816) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Holy Roman empire Politics Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Europe Empires
c. 820	The Venetians move their administration from the island of Torcello to the Rialto Go to Rialto in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Venice Europe
827	The Arabs get a foothold in Sicily and begin a slow process, not complete till AD 965, of squeezing the Byzantines out of the island Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Islam Sicily Europe Empires
828	The Venetians, acquiring from Alexandria some bones believed to be those of St Mark, build St Mark's to house the valuable relic Go to Mark, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Religion Christianity Alexandria Venice Africa North Africa Egypt Europe
c. 950	Medieval Europe's first institute of higher education is established, with the founding of the medical school at Salerno Go to Italy in The Oxford Companion to Medicine (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Science Medicine Europe
962	The imperial coronation of Otto I by Pope John XII in St Peter's puts in place the formal role of a Holy Roman emperor Go to Otto I (912–73) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Politics Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Europe Empires
1075	Pope Gregory VII decrees that only the church may make ecclesiastical appointments, thus initiating the investiture controversy between pope and emperor Go to Investiture Controversy in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Holy Roman empire Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Empires
1077	The emperor Henry IV stands as a penitent outside the pope's castle at Canossa, so as to be released from excommunication. Go to penitent in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Holy Roman empire Politics Papacy Europe Empires
1082	Venice acquires valuable trading privileges from Constantinople, her merchants being excused all dues and customs in the Byzantine empire Go to Istanbul in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 11th century Commerce and industry Venice Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Society Empires
1091	Roger I, the first Norman count of Sicily, completes the conquest of the island from the Muslims Go to Roger I in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Sicily Europe
c. 1100	Many of the towns of northern Italy acquire virtual independence as self-governing communes Go to Communes in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century 12th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe
1132	Work begins on the exquisite palace chapel in Palermo, built for the Norman kings of Sicily Go to Palermo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Architecture Italian architecture Sicily Europe
1139	Pope Innocent III and the second Lateran council outlaw the crossbow as a weapon causing unacceptable devastation Go to Lateran Councils in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Papacy Weapons Europe
1144	The fall of Edessa prompts the pope, Eugenius III, to call for a second crusade to defend the Latin kingdom Go to Eugenius III (d. 1153) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Religion Christianity Papacy War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Europe Wars and Revolutions
c. 1150	The Medici move into Florence from their country home in the Mugello valley Go to Medici in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Commerce and industry Florence Europe Society
1197	The three-year old Frederick II has a claim to the thrones of both Sicily and Germany on the death of his father, the emperor Henry VI Go to Henry VI (1165–97) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Sicily Europe Germany Empires
c. 1200	In the cathedral on Torcello, and in St Mark's, Venetian mosaics are a culmination in the west of the Byzantine tradition Go to mosaic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 12th century 13th century Arts Italian art Venice Europe Empires
1202	The fleet of the fourth crusade departs from Venice - only to be diverted from its purposes by Venetian guile Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Venice Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1204	Venice takes the useful islands of Corfu and Crete as part of the spoils of the fourth crusade Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Venice Europe Greece Wars and Revolutions A Latin empire is set up in Constantinople on the same basis as the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem Go to Latin kingdom of Jerusalem in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 13th century Politics Jerusalem Turkey Europe Empires
c. 1205	Many of the treasures adorning the church of San Marco in Venice are loot taken from Constantinople during the fourth crusade Go to Venice in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Venice Turkey Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1210	St Francis and eleven companions tell Innocent III of their wish for a life of holy poverty in the bustle of the towns Go to Francis Of Assisi, St (1181/2–1226) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
1212	Participants in the Children's Crusade suffer disaster after the waters of the Mediterranean fail to part for them Go to Children's Crusade (1212) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Religion Christianity Europe Wars and Revolutions
1215	St Dominic and his companions tell Innocent III of their wish to teach and preach in the bustle of the towns Go to Dominic, St (c.1174–1221) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
1216	The Dominicans are formally established by Pope Honorius III as Ordo Fratrum Praedicatorum, the Order of the Friars Preachers Go to Dominican Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe
1223	The Franciscans are formally established by Honorius III as Ordo Fratrum Minorum, the Order of the Friars Minor Go to Franciscan Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
1233	Gregory IX sends Dominican friars to root out the remains of the Catharist heresy in France, thus launching the Inquisition Go to Gregory IX (c.1148–1241) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe France
c. 1250	The Palio, in which horses race round the Campo in Siena, is held from this time Go to Palio in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Sports and games Europe Society
1253	Construction begins of two basilicas, one above the other on a hillside in Assisi, in memory of St Francis Go to basilica in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Europe
1255	The pope, eager to fill the vacant throne of Sicily, offers it to a son of Henry III of England but gets no firm response Go to Henry III (1207–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Papacy British Isles Sicily Europe Britain
1256	Pope Alexander IV establishes a third order of preaching friars, the Augustinians Go to Augustinians in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe
1259	Nicola Pisano completes a pulpit for Pisa, borrowing details from Roman sarcophagi - an early example of a new interest in the classical past Go to Pisano, Nicola (c.1225–c.1278) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 13th century Arts Sculpture Italian art Europe
c. 1260	A new form of poetry is written in northern Italy, described later by Dante as a sweet new style - the dolce stil nuovo Go to dolce stil novo in The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
1263	Pope Urban IV offers Sicily to a French prince, Charles of Anjou, who marches south in 1266 to fight for the kingdom Go to Charles I of Anjou (1226–85) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Papacy Sicily Europe France
c. 1266	Thomas Aquinas begins the outstanding work of medieval scholasticism, his Summa Theologiae Go to Summa Theologiae in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Literature Philosophy Europe
1271	Marco Polo, aged seventeen, sets off from Venice on his journey to the east Go to Polo, Marco (c.1254–1324) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Travel and transport Venice Europe Society
c. 1274	Dante, aged nine, is overwhelmed by the beauty of Beatrice - a child a year younger than himself who later becomes his poetic inspiration Go to Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Europe
1281	An incident in a church service sparks the uprising known as the Sicilian Vespers, in which 2000 French are killed overnight in Sicily Go to Sicilian Vespers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Protest and rebellion Sicily Europe
1295	Marco Polo is back in Venice after an absence of 25 years in the east Go to Polo, Marco (c.1254–1324) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Travel and transport Venice Europe Society
1298	The authorities in Siena publish strict regulations for the design of the buildings around a new central piazza, the Campo Go to Siena in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Architecture Italian architecture Europe Marco Polo, in prison in Genoa, is persuaded by a fellow prisoner to narrate his adventures Go to Polo, Marco (c.1254–1324) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Travel and transport Europe Society
1300	Boniface VIII declares a Jubilee or Holy Year, with plenary indulgences for pilgrims who make their way to Rome Go to Boniface VIII (c.1234–1303) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century 14th century Religion Christianity Europe The Italian communes employ powerful leaders, or signori, in a trend which leads away from oligarchy and towards princely rule Go to Communes in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 13th century 14th century Italian Renaissance Politics Europe The bankers of northern Italy develop a method of accountancy - double-entry book-keeping - which will have lasting significance Go to double-entry book-keeping in A Dictionary of Accounting (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 13th century 14th century Italian Renaissance Commerce and industry Europe Society
1302	Dante, a member of the White faction in Florence, is sentenced to death by the Blacks - and never returns to his native city Go to Blacks and Whites in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Politics Persecution and repression Florence Europe
c. 1305	Enrico degli Scrovegni employs Giotto to paint the cycle of frescoes in his chapel in Padua Go to Giotto (c.1267–1337) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
c. 1307	Dante, in exile from Florence, begins work on The Divine Comedy - completing it just before his death, 14 years later Go to Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Florence Europe
1308	The cathedral authorities in Siena commission from Duccio the great altarpiece which becomes known as the Maestà Go to Duccio di Buoninsegna (1318) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1309	Clement V moves the papacy to Avignon, in a move which is expected to be temporary but which lasts for nearly seventy years Go to Clement V (1264–1314) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe France
c. 1320	In places such as Siena and Orvieto, Italian architects add a blaze of colour to the more restrained northern pattern of Gothic Go to Gothic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Architecture Italian architecture Gothic Europe Florence becomes a centre of international finance, with the Bardi and Peruzzi families acting as bankers to Europe's rulers Go to Bardi in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Commerce and industry Florence Europe Society
1327	Petrarch glimpses Laura in a church in Avignon and falls helplessly in love with her - or so he tells us Go to Petrarch (1304–74) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
c. 1340	The Doge's Palace, begun in its present form in this year, is only one of the spectacular beauties of Venetian Gothic Go to Gothic in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Architecture Italian architecture Venice Gothic Europe
1341	A laurel wreath is placed on the brow of Petrarch in Rome, in a renewal of interest in the classical world Go to Petrarch (1304–74) in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
1345	The bridge now known as Ponte Vecchio is constructed in Florence (replacing an older old bridge) Go to Florence in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Florence Europe The great Byzantine altarpiece of St Mark's, the Pala d'Oro, is adjusted to take its present form Go to Pala D'oro in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Arts Italian art Europe Edward III of England, defaulting on his massive debts, drives the Florentine banking families of Bardi and Peruzzi into bankruptcy Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Commerce and industry Florence Europe Society
1347	Cola di Rienzo, appointed tribune of the people, enjoys a few months of dictatorial powers in Rome before the citizens tire of him Go to Rienzo, Cola di (c.1313–54) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Politics Democracy and dissent Rome Europe
c. 1349	Boccaccio begins his Decameron, supposedly the stories told by young Florentine men and women sheltering from the Black Death Go to Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Florence Europe
c. 1350	Armies of mercenaries, led by condottieri, conduct Italian warfare at an often extortionate rate Go to condottieri in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance War Europe Boccaccio, visiting Petrarch in Florence, is inspired to devote himself to the pursuit of classical studies Go to Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Florence Europe
1364	A great clock is completed in Padua, regulated mechanically by foliot and escapement Go to escapement in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe
1377	The papal curia returns to Rome in what would seem a conclusive move if there were not, two years later, two popes - one of them elected back in Avignon Go to Curia in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe France
1378	John Hawkwood, a condottiere in command of the White Company, is appointed captain general of Florence Go to condottiere in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Politics Florence Europe
1379	The French cardinals, objecting to the new Italian pope, elect their own man as Clement VII - and thus inaugurate the Great Schism of the papacy Go to Great Schism (1378–1417) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe France
1380	The Venetian blockade of Chioggia costs Genoa her fleet and ends Genoese rivalry with Venice in the eastern Mediterranean Go to Alemán, Mateo (1547–1620) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance War Venice Europe
1384	Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the signore of Milan, sets about enlarging his territory - seizing Vicenza, Verona and Padua between 1384 and 1388 Go to Visconti, Gian Galeazzo (1351–1402) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe
c. 1400	Majolica, or tin-glazed earthenware, reaches Italy from Majorca and thus gets its name Go to majolica in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Europe
1406	Pisa is captured by Florence, to be followed a few years later by the purchase of the seaport of Livorno Go to Pisa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Conquest and colonization War Florence Europe
1409	The Council at Pisa elects a new pope, Alexander V, without persuading the other two to resign - bringing the total to an unprecedented three Go to Pisa, Council of in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1411	The linen drapers of Florence commission a statue of St Mark from Donatello, who carves for Orsanmichele the first free-standing Renaissance sculpture Go to Donatello (c.1386–1466) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Italian art Florence Europe
1415	Filippo Brunelleschi begins studying the ruins of classical Rome, with a view to rediscovering classical architecture Go to Brunelleschi, Filippo (1377) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe
1418	A competition is launched for an architect to construct a dome above Florence's cathedral, and is won by Brunelleschi Go to Brunelleschi, Filippo (1377) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Florence Europe
1423	Masaccio paints some of the frescoes in the chapel of a Florentine silk merchant, Felice Brancacci, in Santa Maria del Carmine Go to Masaccio (21 Dec. 1401) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Florence Europe
1430	Work begins in Florence on Brunelleschi's Pazzi chapel, which encapsulates in miniature the new ideals of Renaissance architecture Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Florence Europe
1433	Cosimo de' Medici, arrested by a rival faction, escapes with his life thanks to bribes and well-placed friends Go to Medici, Cosimo de (1389–1464) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
1436	Perspective fascinates Italian Renaissance painters after the publication of Alberti's treatise on the subject, De Pictura Go to Alberti, Leon Battista (14 Feb. 1404) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1438	The Byzantine emperor John Palaeologus and the Patriarch of Constantinople, Joasaph, arrive in Ferrara to attend a council of the Roman Catholic church Go to Florence, Council of (1438–45) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Catholic and orthodox
1439	Florence acquires first-hand experience of Greek culture when Greek Orthodox priests join in a debate on theology, in particular the question of Filioque Go to Filioque in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Catholic and orthodox Florence Europe The Seventeenth Ecumenical Council moves from Ferrara, because of the danger of plague, and sets up in Florence Go to ecumenical council in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Catholic and orthodox Florence
1442	Naples is captured by Alfonso V, breaking the link with France and uniting Sicily and Naples as an Aragonese kingdom Go to Alfonso V (1396–1458) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Sicily Europe
c. 1443	The Dominican convent of San Marco, in Florence, is provided with a serenely beautiful series of frescoes by Fra Angelico and his assistants Go to Angelico, Fra (c.1395) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Florence Europe
c. 1450	Piero della Francesca paints masterpieces in his small home town of San Sepolcro Go to Piero della Francesca (c.1415) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Francesco Sforza, a soldier of fortune, wins power in Milan Go to Sforza in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Paolo Uccello is interested in the laws of perspective, in works such as The Battle of San Romano Go to Uccello, Paolo (c.1397) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
c. 1460	Oil paints, long familiar in the Netherlands, begin to be adopted in Italy in place of tempera Go to tempera in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Flemish and Dutch painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Belgium Netherlands Andrea Mantegna combines an interest in classical detail and recently discovered perspective Go to Mantegna, Andrea (c.1431) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1462	In keeping with his personal interest in Plato, Cosimo de' Medici founds a Platonic Academy in Florence Go to Plato (c. 429–c. 347 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Philosophy Florence Europe
1464	After his death in 1464, Cosimo de' Medici acquires the posthumous title pater patriae – father of the fatherland Go to Paros in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
c. 1465	The Sicilian artist Antonello da Messina adopts the Flemish technique of painting in oils Go to Antonello da Messina (c.1430) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Sicily Europe
1470	The first Italian printing press is set up in Venice, which soon rivals Germany for the quality of its printing Go to printing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Printing Prints Technology Venice Europe Sandro Botticelli is established as one of the leading painters of Florence, working in particular for the Medici Go to Botticelli, Sandro (c.1445) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Florence Europe
1471	The new pope, Sixtus IV, secures his name in history, establishing the Sistine chapel and the Sistine choir Go to Sixtus IV (1414–84) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Performing arts Music Papacy Europe
1472	Leonardo da Vinci joins the painters' guild in Florence, probably after training with Verrocchio Go to Verrocchio, Andrea del (c.1435) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Florence Europe
c. 1475	Giovanni Bellini becomes the key figure in the development of the Renaissance style in Venice Go to Bellini, Giovanni (c.1430–1516) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe
1477	Ptolemy's concept of the world, with the Atlantic stretching to China and India, is printed in Bologna – fifteen years before Columbus sails west Go to Ptolemy (ad 90–168) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Printing Technology Europe
1478	A plot by the Pazzi family, with papal connivance, results in the murder of Guiliano de' Medici during high mass in Florence's cathedral Go to Pazzi Conspiracy (1478) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Papacy Florence Europe
c. 1480	Leonardo da Vinci takes a professional interest in the new science of fortification Go to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance War Europe Botticelli paints the Birth of Venus and Spring for the villa of a Medici cousin of Lorenzo the Magnificent Go to Botticelli, Sandro (c.1445) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1487	Boiardo publishes a romantic epic, Orlando Innamorato, about Roland's love for a bewitching princess Go to Orlando Innamorato in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
c. 1489	Leonardo da Vinci begins an unprecedented series of detailed anatomical drawings, based on corpses dissected in Rome Go to Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Science Medicine Italian art Europe Venice's annexation of Cyprus completes a useful chain of islands stretching to the eastern Mediterranean Go to Cyprus in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Venice Europe
1491	Savonarola, the new prior of San Marco, is a stern critic of both the pope in Rome and the Medici in Florence Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Papacy Florence Rome Europe
1492	Rodrigo Borgia, elected pope as Alexander VI, already has four illegitimate children and possibly sires three more while pope Go to Alexander VI (1431–1503) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1493	Pope Alexander VI draws a line through the Atlantic, dividing new discoveries between Spain (west) and Portugal (east) Go to Alexander VI (1431–1503) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Papacy European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Spanish empire Europe Portugal Spain Empires Latin America
1494	Charles VIII, king of France, marches through the Alps with an army of 30,000, to claim the throne of Naples Go to Charles VIII (1470–98) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France Piero de' Medici and his brothers flee from Florence, after a mob ransacks the Medici palace Go to Medici, Piero I de' (1416–69) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty Florence Europe
1495	Charles VIII captures Naples in February and is crowned there in May, but is forced back across the Alps before the end of the year Go to Charles VIII (1470–98) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France The type faces known as roman and italic are created in Venice by the printers Nicolas Jenson and Aldus Manutius Go to Jenson, Nicolas (c.1420–1480) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Printing Technology Venice Europe
1497	Savonarola, in the carnival before Lent, urges the people of Florence to throw playing cards and lewd images on a great bonfire of vanities Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Social and domestic Florence Europe Society
1498	The Florentine mob, weary of puritanism, attacks the convent of San Marco and drags Savonarola away to be hanged and burnt Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Social and domestic Florence Europe Society
1499	24-year-old Michelangelo provides for St Peter's in Rome an exquisite Pietà – the Virgin holding on her lap the dead Christ Go to Michelangelo (1475–1564) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Italian art Rome Europe
c. 1500	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Canals Technology Engineering Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Science Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Europe
1501	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Italian art Florence Europe
c. 1505	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Sculpture Papacy Italian art Rome Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Rome Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Rome Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Papacy Italian art Europe
1510	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe
1515	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 16th century Italian Renaissance War Battles Europe France
1516	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Venice Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
1517	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting French painting Italian painting French art Italian art Europe France
1520	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Germany 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Germany
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 16th century Italian Renaissance War Battles Europe France
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Papacy War Rome Europe
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: 16th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe
1542	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1545	The Italian players of the commedia dell'arte first feature in the records in this year See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Performing arts Theatre Europe 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 16th century Italian Renaissance Religion Christianity Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Printing Prints Technology Europe
c. 1570	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe 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: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Religion Christianity Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1571	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 16th century Italian Renaissance War Battles Turks Venice Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Spain Empires
1573	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: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks Venice Europe
c. 1575	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Arts Decorative arts Italian art Florence Europe
1581	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Literature Italian literature Poetry Jerusalem Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Papacy Science Astronomy and space Europe
1587	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Commerce and industry Venice Europe Society
1590	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 16th century Italian Renaissance Architecture Italian architecture Europe
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 16th century Italian Renaissance Performing arts Music Opera Florence Europe
1600	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 16th century 17th century Baroque Italian Renaissance Performing arts Music Europe
1604	Annibale Carracci completes an influential ceiling fresco in the Farnese palace in Rome Go to Carracci, Annibale (1560–1609) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1607	Claudio Monteverdi presents Orfeo, the first opera to win a lasting place in the international repertory Go to Monteverdi, Claudio (1567–1643) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1608	The Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens completes an altarpiece in Rome which is an early masterpiece of the baroque Go to Rubens, Peter Paul (1577–1640) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Rome Europe
1609	Galileo improves on the Dutch telescope (and doubles his salary by presenting one to his employer) Go to Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe
1610	Galileo, with his new powerful telescope, observes the moons of Jupiter and spots moving on the surface of the sun Go to Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Science Astronomy and space Europe
1613	Galileo publishes his evidence, from sun spots, proving Copernicus right and Ptolemy wrong on the solar system Go to Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Science Astronomy and space Europe
1618	The Teatro Farnese in Parma is the first to have a proscenium arch, framing perspective scenery painted on flat wings Go to proscenium arch noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Architecture Italian architecture Performing arts Theatre Europe
1622	Bernini's youthful Pluto and Proserpina, suggesting soft flesh in cold marble, introduces the lively tradition of baroque sculpture Go to Bernini, Gian Lorenzo (1598–1680) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Arts Sculpture Italian art Europe The Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck begins a five-year stay, and a successful career as a portrait painter, in Genoa Go to Van Dyck, Sir Anthony (1599–1641) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1624	Nicolas Poussin arrives in Rome, where he develops the tradition of French classicism Go to Poussin, Nicolas (1594–1665) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Painting Italian painting Europe
1627	Claude Lorrain, basing himself like Poussin in Rome, paints classical landscapes suffused in light Go to Claude Lorrain (c.1604–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Painting Italian painting Europe
1629	The sculptor and architect Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini is given the task of adding the drama of baroque to the newly completed St Peter's in Rome Go to Bernini, Gian Lorenzo (1598–1680) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Architecture Italian architecture Europe
1632	The Inquisition convicts Galileo of heresy and he denies the truth of Copernicus - on being shown the instruments of torture Go to Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Science Astronomy and space Europe
1634	Francesco Borromini begins work on his intricate baroque masterpiece, the Monastery of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (1634-43), in Rome See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Architecture Italian architecture Europe
1637	The first public opera house, the Teatro San Cassiano, opens in Venice Go to Venice (Italy, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Performing arts Music Opera Venice Europe
1638	Galileo's Discorsi, published in Leiden, lays the groundwork for mathematical physics Go to Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Science Physics Europe
1643	Evangelista Torricelli, observing variations in a column of mercury, discovers the principle of the barometer Go to Torricelli, Evangelista (1608–1647) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe
1661	Italian doctor Marcello Malpighi discovers the capillaries, thus completing the evidence for the circulation of the blood Go to Malpighi, Marcello in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Science Life sciences Europe
1667	Bernini's great curving colonnade is completed, to form the piazza in front of St Peter's Go to Bernini, Gian Lorenzo (1598–1680) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Architecture Italian architecture Europe
1679	19-year-old Alessandro Scarlatti has a great success in Rome with Gli Equivoci nel Sembiante, the first of his 115 operas Go to Scarlatti, Alessandro (1660–1725) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Music Opera Rome Europe
c. 1695	The first teacher of the virtuoso harpsichordist Domenico Scarlatti is his father, Alessandro Go to Scarlatti, Domenico (1685–1757) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Music Europe
1697	In his opera La Caduta de' Decemviri, Alessandro Scarlatti introduces a new form of prelude, later known as the Italian overture, which is an important stage in the development of the symphony Go to Scarlatti, Alessandro (1660–1725) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Baroque Music Opera Europe
1698	A maker of harpsichords in Florence, Bartolomeo Cristofori, develops the piano ('soft') and forte ('loud') feature which leads to the piano Go to Cristofori, Bartolomeo (4 May 1655) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Performing arts Music Technology Inventions and discoveries Florence Europe
1709	In a friendly keyboard contest in Rome between Handel and Domenico Scarlatti, the result is a draw – Handel being the winner on the organ and Scarlatti on the harpsichord Go to Handel, George Frideric (1685–1759) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Music Rome Europe
1712	The violinist Archangelo Corelli composes his Christmas Concerto, the best known of his influential group of twelve Concerti Grossi Go to Corelli, Arcangelo (1653) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Music Europe
c. 1720	Young noblemen, particularly from Britain, visit Italy on the Grand Tour Go to grand tour in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Travel and transport Europe Society Canaletto begins to specialize in views of the Venetian canals, finding his main customers among the British Go to Canaletto (1697–1768) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe
1725	Vivaldi publishes the set of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons Go to Vivaldi, Antonio (1675–1741) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music Europe
1737	Florence loses her independence when the last Medici duke of Tuscany dies Go to Medici in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Florence Europe
c. 1740	Italian dramatist Carlo Goldoni makes a success of plays in the ancient commedia dell'arte tradition Go to Goldoni, Carlo (1707–93) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Italian literature Drama Europe
1741	Venice's new theatre, the Teatro Novissimo, has machinery which can change the scenes in the blink of an eye Go to Venice (Italy, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Venice Europe
1748	Systematic digging begins near Vesuvius, in an area where ancient fragments are often unearthed - soon discovered to be Pompeii Go to Pompeii in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Europe
1751	Giovanni Battista Tiepolo begins a series of frescoes to decorate the prince bishop's residence in Würzburg Go to Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista (1696–1770) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Germany By the time of his death the prolific output of Domenico Scarlatti includes 555 sonatas, all but a few for his own instrument, the harpsichord Go to Scarlatti, Domenico (1685–1757) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Music Europe
c. 1754	Francesco Guardi, previously a painter of figures, begins to specialize in view of Venice, his native city Go to Guardi, Francesco (5 Oct. 1712) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe
1761	Italian anatomist Giovanni Battista Morgagni publishes De Sedibus, the work that introduces scientific pathology Go to pathology in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Europe
1773	Responding to pressure from the Catholic monarchs of Europe, Clement XIV abolishes the Jesuit Order Go to Clement XIV (1705–74) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
1782	Italian sculptor Antonio Canova sets up his studio in Rome and begins producing finely modelled nudes in the Greek style Go to Canova, Antonio (1757–1822) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Sculpture Italian art Rome Europe
1793	Horatio Nelson, with his ship docked in Naples, meets Lady Hamilton, wife of the British envoy See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Europe Society
1794	Virtuoso violinist Nicolo Paganini gives his first public performances, in churches in his native Genoa See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Music Europe
1796	After two rapid victories in north Italy, Napoleon marches on Turin and the king of Sardinia asks for an armistice Go to Napoleonic Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Wars and Revolutions In the armistice of Cherasco the king of Sardinia cedes to France his territories of Savoy and Nice Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars War Wars and Revolutions Napoleon Bonaparte takes command of the French army of Italy, with astonishingly successful results Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Europe Wars and Revolutions Napoleon creates in northern Italy the Cisalpine Republic, formed from occupied territores including the papal states of Bologna and Ferrara Go to Repubblica Cisalpina in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Papacy War Wars and Revolutions
1797	In Venice Napoleon deposes the last of the doges and sets up a provisional democracy Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Venice Wars and Revolutions Pope Pius VI is seized by a French army in Rome and is taken off to captivity in France Go to Pius VI (1717–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe France By the Treaty of Campo Formio the free republic of Venice, created by Napoleon, is handed over to Austrian rule Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars Austrian empire Habsburgs Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization War Venice Europe Austria Empires Wars and Revolutions
1800	Italian physicist Alessandro Volta describes to the Royal Society in London how his 'pile' of discs can produce electric current Go to Volta, Alessandro in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Science Physics Europe Napoleon takes a French army through the Alps before the snows have cleared, and defeats the Austrians at Marengo Go to Marengo, Battle of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era War Battles Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1801	Napoleon mends France's fences with Roman Catholicism by agreeing a Concordat with Pope Pius VII Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Religion Christianity Papacy Europe France
1805	Napoleon has himself crowned king of Italy in the cathedral in Milan Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Wars and Revolutions
1806	The Carbonari, an Italian group of revolutionaries, make their first appearance in Naples in opposition to French rule Go to Carbonari in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Protest and rebellion Europe French painter Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres moves to Rome and lives there for 18 years Go to Ingres, Jean Auguste Dominique (1780–1867) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting French painting Italian painting French art Rome Europe France
1808	Napoleon gives the throne of Naples, vacated by his brother Joseph, to Joachim Murat Go to Murat, Joachim (c. 1767–1815) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Wars and Revolutions
1809	Napoleon annexes the Papal States and is excommunicated by the pope, Pius VII Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Papacy War Europe Wars and Revolutions Napoleon, in response to his excommunication, has pope Pius VII arrested and kept in captivity in northern Italy and then France Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Religion Christianity War Europe Wars and Revolutions
1811	Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro publishes a hypothesis, about the number of molecules in gases, that becomes known as Avogadro's Law Go to Avogadro's law in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Chemistry Europe
1814	Napoleon goes into exile on the island of Elba, which he immediately treats as a miniature state in need of improvement Go to Elba in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France Wars and Revolutions The Jesuit Order is restored by Pius VII on his return to Rome Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe
1816	Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville has its premiere in Rome Go to Rossini, Gioacchino Antonio in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1819	J.M.W. Turner makes the first of several visits to Venice, and discovers a rich seam of inspiration Go to Turner, J. M. W. in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Arts Painting Italian painting Venice Europe
1821	English poet John Keats dies in Rome at the age of twenty-five Go to Keats, John (1795–1821) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Italian literature Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Rome Europe Britain
1822	Percy Bysshe Shelley drowns when sailing in the gulf of Spezia, in northwest Italy, at the age of 29 Go to Shelley, Percy Bysshe (1792–1822) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Europe
1824	Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini moves to Paris, where he becomes director of the Théatre Italien Go to Rossini, Gioacchino Antonio in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe France
1825	Italian author Alessandro Manzoni begins publication (completed 1827) of his novel I Promessi Sposi ('The Betrothed') Go to Manzoni, Alessandro (1785–1873) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe
1829	Gioacchino Rossini's opera William Tell has its premiere in Paris Go to Guillaume Tell in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe France
1831	Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini founds Young Italy, an organization to promote insurrection Go to Mazzini, Giuseppe (1805–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Europe
1832	Gaetano Donizetti's opera L'elisir d'amore has its premiere in Milan Go to Donizetti, Gaetano (1797–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1835	Gaetano Donizetti's opera Lucia di Lammermoor has its premiere in Naples Go to Donizetti, Gaetano (1797–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1842	The success of the opera Nabucco, premiered in Milan, is a turning point in the fortunes of Giuseppe Verdi Go to Verdi, Giuseppe (1813–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1847	Camillo Benso di Cavour founds a newspaper in north Italy and calls it Il Risorgimento ('The Resurgence') Go to Cavour, Camillo Benso, Conte di (1810–61) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Europe Napoleon's widow, the empress Marie Louise, now the duchess of Parma, dies in Parma Go to Marie Louise (1791–1847) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era
1848	An uprising in Sicily in January starts off Europe's 'year of revolutions' Go to Revolutions of 1848 in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Sicily Europe The prime minister of the papal states, Pellegrino Rossi, is assassinated in Rome Go to Papal States in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Papacy Europe An uprising in Rome causes Pope Pius IX to flee for safety to a coastal fortress at Gaeta Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Papacy Rome Europe
1849	A new Roman republic is proclaimed, with veteran agitator Giuseppe Mazzini in the leading role Go to Mazzini, Giuseppe (1805–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Giuseppe Garibaldi arrives from exile in South America to defend the new Roman republic against a French army Go to Garibaldi, Giuseppe (1807–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Pope Pius IX returns to Rome under the protection of French troops, with his enthusiasm for any form of change much reduced. Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Papacy Rome Europe
1851	Giuseppe Verdi's opera Rigoletto, based on a play by Victor Hugo, is a huge success at its premiere in Venice Go to Verdi, Giuseppe (1813–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Venice Europe
1853	Giuseppe Verdi's opera Il Trovatore is a success at its premiere in Rome Go to Verdi, Giuseppe (1813–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Just six weeks after the success of Il Trovatore, Giuseppe Verdi's opera La Traviata is a disaster at its premiere in Venice Go to Verdi, Giuseppe (1813–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Venice Europe
1854	Pope Pius IX issues a papal bull declaring that the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is to be an article of faith for Catholics Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1858	Napoleon III and Cavour hatch a secret plan at Plombièes to tempt Austria into war in north Italy, and agree how to divide up the spoils Go to Cavour, Camillo Benso, Conte di (1810–61) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe France
1859	A French and Piedmontese army liberates Milan from Austrian rule Go to Milan in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Austria France Empires French and Piedmontese forces defeat the Austrians decisively at Solferino, in a battle involving appalling casualties Go to Solferino, Battle of (24 June 1859) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs War Battles Europe Austria France Empires
1860	The treaty of Turin brings much of north Italy under the control of Cavour (for the kingdom of Sardinia), who in return cedes Savoy and Nice to France Go to Cavour, Camillo Benso, Conte di (1810–61) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe France Garibaldi lands at Marsala in Sicily in May with his thousand Redshirts, and wins control of the island for the king in waiting, Victor Emmanuel II Go to Garibaldi, Giuseppe in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Sicily Europe Garibaldi crosses from Sicily to the mainland and by September is in Naples Go to Garibaldi, Giuseppe in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Sicily Europe
1861	Victor Emmanuel II is proclaimed king of a united Italy, with only Rome and Venetia remaining outside his realm Go to Victor Emmanuel II (1820–78) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Rome Europe
1864	Pope Pius IX includes socialism, civil marriage and secular education among eighty modern errors listed in his Syllabus Go to Syllabus Errorum in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1866	Austrian rule ends in the Venetian territories, which now join the new kingdom of Italy Go to Austrian empire (1806–67) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Venice Europe Austria Empires
1870	Pope Pius IX, rapidly losing temporal authority, declares a new dogma – that the pope, when speaking from the throne, is infallible on matters of faith or morals Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe As the result of a plebiscite, Rome and the remaining papal states are included in the kingdom of Italy Go to States of the Church in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Papacy Rome Europe
1871	Rome becomes the capital city of the entire Italian peninsula, for the first time since the Roman empire Go to Unification in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe
1882	Italy, previously non-aligned, signs a Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary Go to Triple Alliance (1882) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Austria Germany
1887	Giuseppe Verdi's opera Otello has its première at La Scala in Milan Go to Otello in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1893	Giacomo Puccini has his first success when his opera Manon Lescaut opens in Turin Go to Manon Lescaut in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe In Falstaff Giuseppe Verdi writes his last opera, and his only comedy since the early days of his career. Go to Falstaff in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1894	The tenor Enrico Caruso makes his debut in his home town of Naples Go to Caruso, Enrico (25 Feb. 1873) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1895	21-year-old Guglielmo Marconi succeeds in transmitting a radio signal more than a mile at his home near Bologna Go to Marconi, Guglielmo (1874–1937) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Communication Inventions and discoveries Europe
1896	Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème has an unsuccessful premiere in Turin Go to bohème, La in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1900	Giacomo Puccini's Tosca brings in the new century with a January premiere in Rome Go to Tosca in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Humbert I, the king of Italy, is assassinated by an Italian-American anarchist, Gaetano Bresci Go to anarchism in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination Europe
1901	Vast crowds line the streets for the Milan funeral of a national hero, the 87-year-old composer Giuseppe Verdi Go to Verdi, Giuseppe (1813–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1902	The tenor Enrico Caruso cuts his first phonograph records in Milan, beginning an immensely successful recording career Go to Caruso, Enrico (25 Feb. 1873) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Europe
1903	Giuseppe Sarto is elected pope and takes the name Pius X Go to Pius X, St (1835–1914) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1904	Giacomo Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly falls victim at La Scala to claques paid for by rivals Go to Madama Butterfly in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1906	The Simplon rail tunnel, the longest in the world (20 km), is opened between Switzerland and Italy Go to railway in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Technology Engineering Europe Switzerland
1907	Maria Montessori establishes her first Casa dei Bambini in the deprived San Lorenzo district of Rome Go to Montessori schools in A Dictionary of Education (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Europe Society
1908	Europe's worst earthquake, centred on the Strait of Messina, kills up to 200,000 people in Sicily and southern Italy. Go to earthquake in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Sicily Europe Society
1909	Italian educational pioneer Maria Montessori publishes The Montessori Method Go to Montessori, Maria (1870–1952) in A Dictionary of Education (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Europe Society
1911	Italy finds a reason to invade Libya, a province of the Turkish empire. Go to Libya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The Italian premier, Giovanni Giolitti, introduces reformist legislation including a national insurance act Go to Giolitti, Giovanni (22 Oct. 1842) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Europe Society
1912	Benito Mussolini, an active revolutionary Socialist, becomes editor of the party newspaper in Italy Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Turkey, beset by troubles elsewhere, cedes to Italy her north African province of Libya Go to Libya in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Muslim empires Ottoman empire Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Empires Giacomo Balla attempts to paint movement in his futurist Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash Go to Balla, Giacomo (18 July 1871) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe
1913	Italian Futurist sculptor Umberto Boccioni suggests human movement in his Unique Forms of Continuity in Space Go to Boccioni, Umberto (19 Oct. 1882) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts Sculpture Italian art Europe
1914	The tenor Beniamino Gigli wins an international singing competition in Parma, and makes his operatic debut later in the same year Go to Gigli, Beniamino (1890–1957) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Giacomo della Chiesa is elected pope and takes the name Benedict XV Go to Benedict XV (3 Sept. 1914–22 Jan. 1922) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Benito Mussolini, advocating Italian entry into the war on the side of the Allies, is expelled from the Socialist party Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Benito Mussolini founds a newspaper, Il Popolo d'Italia' ('The People of Italy'), to argue the case for Italy joining the war Go to Mussolini, Benito (b. 29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Europe Society August 3 - Italy declares neutrality amid the rush of other major European powers into war Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1915	May - Italy revokes the Triple Alliance of 1882 that aligned her with Germany and Austria-Hungary Go to Triple Alliance in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 May 23 - Italy declares war against Austria-Hungary, but not as yet against Germany Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria Wars since 1900
1916	Ottorino Respighi completes his symphonic poem for orchestra Fountains of Rome, first performed in Rome the following year Go to Respighi, Ottorino (1879) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Rome Europe August 20 - a brief success in the front line against Austria prompts Italy to declare war on Germany Go to Italy in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Germany Wars since 1900
1917	October 24 - a victory at Caporetto enables the Austrian army to penetrate far into northeast Italy Go to Caporetto, Battle of (24 October 1917) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Wars since 1900
1919	Mussolini founds the Fasci di Combattimento, dedicated to opposing the Socialist party Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Mussolini's Fascist party rapidly acquires an aggressive presence, thanks to his gangs of armed thugs in their blackshirt uniforms Go to Blackshirts in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Europe June 28 - the German-speaking inhabitants of South Tirol are incorporated within Italy under the Versailles peace terms Go to South Tirol in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900
1921	Within a five-week period the Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello writes two masterpieces, Six Characters in Search of an Author immediately followed by Henry IV Go to Pirandello, Luigi (1867–1936) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Italian literature Drama Europe Mussolini and 35 of his Fascist colleagues win seats in the Italian parliament Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Russian author Maxim Gorky goes abroad for medical treatment and lives for the next seven years in Italy Go to Gorky, Maxim (1868–1936) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Russia
1922	Ambrogio Ratti is elected pope and takes the name Pius XI Go to Pius XI (6 Feb. 1922–10 Feb. 1939) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Mussolini gives orders for armed squads to congregate around Rome, in preparation for a march to seize power in the capital Go to March on Rome in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Europe The Italian king Victor Emmanuel III, alarmed at the prospect of a Fascist march on Rome, asks Mussolini to form a government Go to Victor Emmanuel III (1869–1947) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe A triumphant Mussolini arrives in Rome on the overnight train from Milan to take up his appointment as prime minister Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Rome Europe Columns of blackshirts, brought into Rome for the day, parade before Mussolini and the king Go to Blackshirts in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Rome Europe
1923	Benito Mussolini sets up a Fascist Grand Council as a token assembly to conceal his authoritarian rule Go to Fascist Grand Council in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe With Mussolini already installed as Il Duce, his party wins 65% of the votes in a general election Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe The Italian novelist Italo Svevo has his first great success when The Confessions of Zeno is published in France Go to Svevo, Italo (1861–1928) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe
1924	The Italian Socialist leader Giacomo Matteotti is murdered by Mussolini's Fascists Go to Matteotti Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe Ottorino Respighi's symphonic poem Pines of Rome has its first performance in Rome Go to Respighi, Ottorino (1879) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Giacomo Puccini dies without finishing his opera Turandot, which is subsequently completed by Franco Alfani Go to Puccini, Giacomo (1858) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1925	Benito Mussolini arrests opposition politicians, takes control of the press and assumes dictatorial powers in Italy Go to Mussolini, Benito (29 July 1883) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe Italian poet Eugenio Montale publishes his first collection, Bones of the Cuttlefish Go to Montale, Eugenio (1896–1981) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe
1927	Mussolini's treaty with Ahmed Zogu gives Fascist Italy a dominant position in Albania Go to Zog I (1895–1961) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe
1928	All non-Fascist political activity is banned in Italy, parliament being replaced with the Fascist Grand Council Go to Fascist movement, Italy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe D.H. Lawrence's new novel, in which Lady Chatterley is in love with her husband's gamekeeper, is privately printed in Florence Go to Lady Chatterley's Lover in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Italian literature Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1929	The Lateran Treaty, between the Holy See and the state of Italy, establishes the Vatican City as a free state within the wider nation Go to Lateran Treaties (11 February 1929) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Religion Christianity Europe Italian writer Alberto Moravia wins success with his first novel, The Time of Indifference Go to Moravia, Alberto (1907–1990) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe
1931	Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli introduces a successful new line for women in the form of the padded shoulder Go to Schiaparelli, Elsa (1896–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Arts Decorative arts Europe
1934	Benito Mussolini plays host in Venice to Adolf Hitler, the newcomer among European dictators Go to fascism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Venice Europe Wars since 1900
1935	Elias Canetti publishes the novel later translated into English as Auto da Fé Go to Canetti, Elias (1905–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe Italian baritone Tito Gobbi makes his operatic debut in Gubbio in Bellini's La Somnambula Go to Gobbi, Tito (1915–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Mussolini uses a disagreement over grazing rights as a pretext for an empire-building invasion of Ethiopia Go to Abyssinia, Italian invasion of (1935–6) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires
1936	Mussolini appoints his son-in-law, Count Galeazzo Ciano, as his minister for foreign affairs Go to Ciano, Count Galeazzo (b. 18 Mar. 1903) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Europe Hitler and Mussolini form an axis, or alliance, causing Germany and Italy to become known as the Axis powers Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Wars since 1900
1937	Pope Pius XI issues an encyclical, Mit Brennender Sorge, condemning the Nazi ideology of racism Go to Mit brennender Sorge in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Germany Adolf Hitler, entertaining Mussolini in Germany, puts on spectacular demonstrations of German military and industrial might Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Wars since 1900
1939	Eugenio Pacelli is elected pope and takes the name Pius XII Go to Pius XII (1876–1958) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe In spite of the Axis agreement of 1936, Mussolini declines to bring Italy into the war on Hitler's side Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1940	June 10 - Mussolini declares war on a France already on the verge of defeat Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 20 - Mussolini invades France in the last-minute hope of gaining some territory in the armistice settlement Go to Maginot Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 24 - a delegation from France, defeated and partly occupied by Germany, signs in Rome an armistice with Mussolini's Italy Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Rome Europe France Wars since 1900 September 27 - Germany, Italy and Japan form a Tripartite Pact as a military alliance Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Germany Wars since 1900 October 4 - Mussolini plans a new Roman empire, reaching like the first one round the entire Mediterranean Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Wars since 1900 October 28 - Italian troops cross the Albanian border in the hope of a blitzkrieg against Greece Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 November 11-12 - British aircraft sink three Italian battleships at anchor in Taranto harbour Go to Taranto raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1941	March 28 - the Italian navy, defeated off Cape Matapan, ceases to be a significant factor in the Mediterranean Go to Matapan, battle of (1941) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1942	Italian director Luchino Visconti's first film, Obsession, brings neorealism to the cinema Go to Visconti, Luchino (1906–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe US poet Ezra Pound, in Italy during the war, broadcasts Fascist propaganda aimed at the United States Go to Pound, Ezra (1885–1972) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Italian literature Poetry Europe North America United States
1943	July 10 - British and American troops land in Sicily to begin the Italian campaign Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Wars since 1900 July 25 - the king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, has Mussolini arrested and appoints in his place a field marshal, Pietro Badoglio Go to Badoglio, Pietro (b. 28 Sept. 1871) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 August 3 - Italians signs a secret armistice with the Allies, as Allied troops land in Sicily Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Wars since 1900 August 8 - British general Harold Alexander is appointed commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the Italian campaign Go to Alexander, Harold Rupert Leofric George, 1st Earl Alexander (1891–1969) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 August 12 - on Hitler's orders, the SS rescue Mussolini from house arrest in the mountains of central Italy Go to Skorzeny, Otto (1908–75) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 August 16 - all German and Italian troops are by now driven out of Sicily or captured by the Allies Go to Sicily Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Wars since 1900 September - a strong Allied force lands at Salerno, south of Naples Go to Salerno landing (1943) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 September 8 - Italy, abandoning her Axis partners, surrenders unconditionally to the Allies Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 September 27 - a premature uprising against the Germans in Naples results in a massacre of the inhabitants Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 October 1 - the Allies move north from Salerno and capture Naples Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 October 13 - Italy changes sides and declares war on her recent ally, Germany Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 November - the Germans halt the Allied advance along the Gustav Line, which includes Monte Cassino Go to Gustav Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 November - Mussolini becomes Hitler's puppet ruler of a new Fascist republic in north Italy Go to Salò, Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900
1944	The monastery and town of Monte Cassino are left in ruins after the Allies finally break through the German defences Go to Cassino, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Europe January 10 - Galeazzo Ciano, Mussolini's son-in-law, is sentenced to death at the Verona trials and is executed Go to Verona trials in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 January 22 - in Operation Shingle an Allied force lands at Anzio, on the west coast of Italy behind the German lines Go to Anzio, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 18 - after a campaign of four months the monastery at Monte Cassino is captured, by Polish troops Go to Cassino, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 June 4 - a multinational Allied force moves fast from Monte Cassino to capture Rome Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 August - the Allied advance in Italy comes to a halt at the Gothic Line of German defences, north of Florence Go to Gothic Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1945	April 28 - Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by partisans and their bodies are hung from a gibbet in Milan Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 April 29 - against Hitler's specific orders, the commander of the German army in Italy surrenders to the Allies Go to Argenta Gap, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1946	Victor Emmanuel III abdicates in favour of his son a month before a referendum on the Italian monarchy Go to Victor Emmanuel III (1869–1947) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe
1947	Italian author Primo Levi publishes If This Is a Man, based on his experiences in Auschwitz Go to Levi, Primo (1919–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Europe The Italian novelist Primo Levi publishes If This Is a Man, describing his ten months in Auschwitz Go to Levi, Primo (1919–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Literature Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland
1948	Ezra Pound publishes Pisan Cantos, about his postwar imprisonment in an American detention centre near Pisa Go to Cantos, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe Vittorio de Sica directs the film Bicycle Thieves, a classic of Italian neorealism Go to De Sica, Vittorio (1901–1974) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe
1951	The Rake's Progress, with music by Igor Stravinsky and libretto by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman, has its premiere in Venice Go to Rake's Progress, The in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Venice Europe
1954	Federico Fellini directs La Strada ('The Road'), starring his wife, Giulietta Masina, and Antony Quinn Go to Fellini, Federico (1920–1993) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe
1956	Sicilian author Giuseppe de Lampedusa completes his novel The Leopard, but does not live to see it published Go to Tomasi Di Lampedusa, Giuseppe (1896–1957) in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Sicily Europe
1957	Six founding nations (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West Germany) establish the European Economic Community (EEC) Go to Rome, Treaty of (25 May 1957) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Europe France Germany Society
1958	John Cranko's version of Romeo and Juliet, to Prokofiev's score, is premiered by La Scala Ballet in Venice Go to Romeo and Juliet in The International Encyclopedia of Dance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Dance Venice Europe Angelo Roncalli is elected pope and takes the name John XXIII Go to John XXIII (1881–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1959	Pope John XXIII summons a second Vatican Council Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1960	Italian firm director Michelangelo Antonioni makes L'Avventura, with Monica Vitti in the leading role Go to Antonioni, Michelangelo (1912– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Italian film director Federico Fellini makes La Dolce Vita, an episodic study of life along the Via Veneto in Rome Go to Fellini, Federico (1920–1993) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe
1961	Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti makes his operatic debut in Reggio Emilia, as Rodolfo in La Bohème Go to Pavarotti, Luciano (1935–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe
1962	The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican begins, 94 years after the start of the First Vatican Council under Pius IX Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–5) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Europe
1963	Pope John XXIII dies, only a few month's after the start of the great Vatican council that he has summoned Go to John XXIII (1881–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italian cardinal Giovanni Montini is elected pope and takes the name Paul VI Go to Paul VI (1897–1978) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1964	Sergio Leone directs A Fistful of Dollars, the first of his three 'spaghetti westerns' starring Clint Eastwood Go to Leone, Sergio (1921–89) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe The Second Vatican Council issues a decree recognizing the legitimacy and apostolic origins of many of the beliefs and practices of the Greek Orthodox church Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–5) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox
1965	Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras preside over simultaneous ceremonies, in Rome and Istanbul, revoking the mutual excommunications of 1054 Go to Athenagoras (1886–1972) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Rome The Second Vatican Council ends, having made some radical changes in the ritual and attitudes of the Roman Catholic church Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–5) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Europe
1967	Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras issue a joint declaration, emphasizing mutual respect for each other's traditions Go to Paul VI (21 June 1963–6 Aug. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy
1968	Ezra Pound publishes his last collection of cantos, Drafts and Fragments of Cantos CX - CXVII Go to Cantos, The in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Italian literature Poetry Europe North America United States Pope Paul VI issues the encyclical Humanae Vitae, condemning all methods of artificial birth control Go to Humanae vitae in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1969	Italian composer Luciano Berio completes his Sinfonia for eight voices and orchestra Go to Berio, Luciano (1925) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music Europe
1970	Italian playwright Dario Fo's black comedy Accidental Death of an Anarchist has its premiere in Milan Go to Accidental Death of an Anarchist in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Italian literature Drama Europe
1972	Bernardo Bertolucci directs Marlon Brando in the sexually explicit film Last Tango in Paris Go to Bertolucci, Bernardo (1940– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Performing arts Film Europe North America United States
1978	Former Italian prime minister Aldo Moro is abducted and assassinated by the terrorist Red Brigades Go to Moro, Aldo (b. 23 Sept. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe Italian cardinal Albino Luciani is elected pope and takes the name John Paul I Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Pope John Paul I dies, after a pontificate of only 33 days Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe A Catholic-Orthodox joint commission acknowledges the long-term aim of re-establishing full communion between the two churches Go to Catholic Church, Roman in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Polish cardinal Karol Wojtyla is elected pope and takes the name John Paul II Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
1980	Italian academic Umberto Eco publishes The Name of the Rose, a medieval murder mystery Go to Eco, Umberto (1932– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe
1981	A Turkish assailant in St Peter's Square in Rome shoots and seriously wounds John Paul II Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Rome Europe
1984	Diego Maradona is sold to Napoli for a new record fee of about £5 million, two years after being sold to Barcelona for £3 million Go to Maradona, Diego (Armando) (1960– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Europe Society Luciano Berio's opera Un re in ascolto has its premiere in Salzburg Go to Berio, Luciano (1925–2003) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Germany
1990	Three tenors (Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras) sing at a concert in Rome to celebrate the World Cup Go to Three Tenors, The in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Performing arts Music Sports and games Rome Europe Society
1991	US sculptor Jeff Koons marries one of his favourite subjects, Italian porn star La Cicciolina Go to Koons, Jeff (1955– ) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Arts American art Europe North America United States A man found frozen high in the Alps turns out to be a neolithic hunter from about 5000 years ago Go to Similaun Man in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Science Europe
1993	Media magnate Silvio Berlusconi founds Forza Italia as a new centre-right political party in Italy Go to Berlusconi, Silvio (29 Sept. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe
1994	Former prime minister Bettino Craxi leaves Italy to escape a gaol sentence for corruption Go to Craxi, Benedetto (24 Feb. 1934) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Europe Sylvio Berlusconi's new party, Forza Italia, wins enough votes for him to head a coalition as prime minister Go to Forza Italia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Europe The Italian film Il Postino brings poetry into the life of a postman who delivers mail to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Film In his apostolic letter Ordinatio sacerdotalis John Paul II forbids even any discussion of the ordination of women Go to John Paul II Bl (1920–2005) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Religion Christianity Europe The collapse of Sylvio Berlusconi's coalition brings to an end his short-lived first period as Italy's prime minister Go to Berlusconi, Silvio (29 Sept. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Europe
2001	Sylvio Berlusconi returns as Italy's prime minister with the electoral success of his right-wing House of Liberties coalition Go to Berlusconi, Silvio (29 Sept. 1936) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Europe
2005	John Paul II, dying after 26 years on the papal throne, is the third longest-serving pope in history Go to John Paul II Bl (1920–2005) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Patriarch Christodoulos attends the funeral in Rome of Pope John Paul II Go to John Paul II Bl (1920–2005) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Rome Joseph Ratzinger is elected pope and takes the name Benedict XVI Go to Benedict XVI (1927– ) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe
2006	Romano Prodi becomes Italy's prime minister after narrowly defeating Silvio Berlusconi in a general election Go to Prodi, Romano (b. 9 Aug. 1939) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Europe Patriarch Christodoulos has talks with Pope Benedict XVI, in the first official visit to the Vatican by the head of the Greek Orthodox church Go to Benedict XVI (1927– ) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy
2008	Italian prime minister Romano Prodi resigns after a foreign policy defeat in the Senate Go to Prodi, Romano (b. 9 Aug. 1939) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century A coalition led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi wins the general election in Italy Go to Berlusconi, Silvio (1936– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century

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date: 19 March 2025

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