Early Modern Europe Timeline

By 601320
  • Period: Jan 1, 1266 to Jan 1, 1337

    Giotto di Bondone

    Italian painter considered to be I one of the original renaissance artists. Born in Florence.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Jan 1, 1500

    Italian Renaissance

    Era of revival of arts, science, and economy in Europe. Began in Florence.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1304 to Jan 1, 1374

    Petrarch

    Italian poet and scholar. Considered to be one of the earliest humanist. Developed the idea of the "Dark Ages."
  • Period: Jan 1, 1338 to Jan 1, 1380

    Charles V

    Notorious French King known for his autocratic style leadership following war with England. Had to put down several rebellions as a result of his policies.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1386 to Jan 1, 1466

    Donatello

    Early renaissance sculptor famous for his incorporation of developments in perspective illusionism.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1394 to Jan 1, 1460

    Henry the Navigator

    Famous explorer known for his expansion of trade routes for Portugal. Explored much of West Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1452 to Jan 1, 1519

    Da Vinci

    Extremely well known renaissance man. He was an artist, scientist, inventor, engineer, sculptor, musician, and writer. Be represented the idea of humanism.
  • Jan 1, 1453

    Ottoman takeover of Constantinople

  • Jan 1, 1455

    Gutenberg's printing press

    Allows for rapid transfer of information. Increases literacy and knowledge of the world for many. Also allowed for books to be mass produced.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1457 to Jan 1, 1509

    Henry VII

    First Monarch of the House of Tudor. Restored much of England's political system and economy. Last king of England to win his throne through battle.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1465 to Jan 1, 1519

    Tetzel

    Roman Catholic preacher from Germany. Well known for his attacks on Heresy and for becoming the Grand Commisioner for Indulgences.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1469 to Jan 1, 1527

    Machiavelli

    Italian politician, diplomat, and writer who is most well known for his political writings such as "The Prince." He's focused on the idea that leaders must be willing to do anything in order to secure their power and influence. Essentially created a handbook for tyrants.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1475 to Jan 1, 1564

    Michelangelo

    Italian sculptor. Painter, engineer, and writer of the high renaissance. He was an example of the "Renaissance man" for his various skills. Famous artwork includes the statue of David.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1483 to Jan 1, 1520

    Raphael

    Italian painter and architect of the high renaissance. Known for his detailed depictions of human form.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1483 to Jan 1, 1546

    Luther

    Catholic preacher who became a stong protestor of the church's views particularly concerning indulgences. Key figure of the Protestant Reformation.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1484 to Jan 1, 1531

    Zwingli

    Leader of the Reformation in Switzerland. Nearly caused a war with Catholics in Switzerland and was eventually killed after attempting a food blockade.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1491 to Jan 1, 1547

    Henry VIII

    King of England. Separated from Roman Catholic church to found the Church of England. Known for his brutal methods of rule.
  • Jan 1, 1492

    Spain-3 Events

    Granada conquered, Christopher Columbus explores New World, Majority of Jews expelled from Spain
  • Period: Jan 1, 1492 to

    Age of Portuguese Exploration and Expansion

    Time period in which Portugal led the world in exploration and trade. Explored much of Africa and Atlantic islands.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1492 to

    Age of Spanish Exploration and Expansion

    Time period in which Spain explored much of the western world. Some of the first explorers to move west through North America.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1494 to Jan 1, 1547

    Francis I

    King of France known as a patron of the arts. Strong supporter of Italian artists that were part of the Italian Renaissance.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1494 to Jan 1, 1498

    French Invades Italy

    France invaded the Italian peninsula. Triggered by a refusal to pay dues to the pope.
  • Period: Sep 1, 1497 to

    Northern Renaissance

    Revival of culture and wealth in European nations near the Alps. Heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1500 to Jan 1, 1558

    Abdication of Charles V

    Monarch who desired to unite all of Europe under one Christian faith. Plans were halted by the resistance of France and England as well as the Protestant Reformation.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1509 to Jan 1, 1564

    Calvin

    French Protestant reformer and founder of Calvinism. Views similar to Martin Luther.
  • Jan 1, 1510

    The School of Athens

    Famous painting by the artist Raphael. Shows connection of art to the Classical Age. Faces of other great artists can be seen in the painting.
  • Jan 1, 1513

    The Prince

    Written by Niccolo Machiavelli. Philosophy concerning the necessity for absolute rule.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1515 to Jan 1, 1582

    Teresa of Avila

    Roman Catholic Saint and theologian. Outspoken opponent of the Protestant Reformation.
  • Jan 1, 1517

    95 Theses

    Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the church door, marking a starting point for the Protestant reformation. Pointed out flaws in the Catholic Church.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1517 to

    Reformation

    Major reform movement in the Christian church which gave birth to Protestantism and left a permanent divide in the church. Originated from the protests of people such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1517 to

    Spread of Lutheranism

    The reform ideas of Martin Luther triggered a massive spread of the new branch of Christianity. Focused on faith as a means of salvation. Spread through Scandinavia and other countries in the region.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1536 to

    Spread of Calvinism

    Differed from Lutherans on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Spread to many of the same areas of Northern Europe as Lutheranism.
  • Jan 1, 1543

    Copernicus' "On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies"

    Offered an alternative explanation to the idea of a geocentric universe. Earth was round and revolved around sun. Earth was not center of the universe.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1545 to

    Catholic Reformation / Counter-Reformation

    Reform in Catholic Church beginning with Council of Trent. In response to Protestant Reformation.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1545 to Jan 1, 1563

    Council of Trent

    Council aimed at reforming the Catholic church. This came in response to the Protestant Reformation.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1550 to

    Loyola

    Franciscan Friar, known for world travels. First person to circumnavigate the world twice.
  • Jan 1, 1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    Peace treaty between Charles V and the Schmalkaldic League (alliance of Lutheran princes). Ended religious struggle and made the legal division of Christendom in the Holy Roman Empire.

  • Defeat of the Spanish Armada

    Spanish fleet assigned as an escort for Flandish invaders planning to invad England. Spain wanted to participate to help protect their interests in the Netherlands. Fleet was attacked and scattered, eventually leading to defeat prior to an invasion.

  • Edict of Nantes passed by Henry IV

    Gave back many rights to French Protestants, despite the nation remaining mostly Catholic. Early example of a separation of church and state. Attempted to make citizens more equal.

  • Elizabeth I of England died

    Elizabeth I dies after falling ill. James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England by taking the crown.

  • Beginning of the 30 Years War

    War between France and Habsburg Powers primarily. Included most major powers. Started initially over religious divide but became a power struggle.

  • Charles I is executed and Cromwell came to power in England

    Charles I accused of treason for pursuing his own interests over those of the nation. Executed by beheading.