Events from the 14th to the 16th Century

  • Period: Jan 1, 1345 to

    Renaissance

  • Bubonic Plague
    Jan 1, 1347

    Bubonic Plague

    The bubonic plague begins, a flea-borne infection whiping out a third of europes large population.
  • Renaissance begins
    Jan 1, 1350

    Renaissance begins

    A cultural movement that spanned the period roughly from the 14th to the 16th century, based on art and culture and moved away from religion.
  • Brunelleschi creates linear perspective
    Jan 1, 1413

    Brunelleschi creates linear perspective

    Discovered linear perspective while accomplishing the most stunning dome to crown the cathedral in Florence
  • Joan of Arc and the Siege of Orleans
    Oct 12, 1429

    Joan of Arc and the Siege of Orleans

    Took place during the hundred year war, Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) led the french to several important battles
  • Johann Gutenberg invents the printing press
    Jan 1, 1439

    Johann Gutenberg invents the printing press

    With replaceable/ movable wodden or metal letters in 1436 ( completed by 1440)
  • Cosimo de Medici dies
    Aug 1, 1464

    Cosimo de Medici dies

    Eldest son of the Medici family, carried on the family buisness. Died of natural causes.
  • Spanish Inquisition begins
    Sep 27, 1478

    Spanish Inquisition begins

    Intended to maintain orthodoxy in their kingdoms, and replace the Medieval Inquisition which was under papal control.
  • Sandro Botticelli paints Birth of Venus
    Jan 1, 1486

    Sandro Botticelli paints Birth of Venus

    Depicted the goddess Venus, having emerged from the sea a full grown woman. Left in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
  • Columbus discovers the America's
    Jan 1, 1492

    Columbus discovers the America's

    Was intended to reach Asia, his voyage was financed by the King and Queen of Spain.
  • Da Vinci paints the Last Supper
    Jan 1, 1495

    Da Vinci paints the Last Supper

    The Last Supper specifically portrays the reaction given by each apostle when Jesus said one of them out betray him.
  • Raphael paints the School of Athens
    Jan 1, 1510

    Raphael paints the School of Athens

    Famous ilalian fresco depicting the famous greek philosohpers.
  • Michelangelo paints the Sistine Chapel
    Jan 1, 1512

    Michelangelo paints the Sistine Chapel

    Michealangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to repaint over the gold stars and blue sky.
  • Machiavelli writes the Prince
    Jan 1, 1514

    Machiavelli writes the Prince

    Writes that reforming an existing order is one of the most dangerous things a prince can do.
  • Thomas More Utopia
    Jan 1, 1514

    Thomas More Utopia

    Describes a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean that has the ideal society posessing a perfect socio-politico-legal system.
  • Martin Luther 95 Theses
    Jan 1, 1517

    Martin Luther 95 Theses

    Disputation of Martin Luther on the power and efficacy of indulgences commonly known as the 95 theses
  • Start of the European Wars of Religion
    Jan 1, 1524

    Start of the European Wars of Religion

    Started as a revolt against feudal oppression, strongly influenced by the religious change of the period (reformation).
  • Henry VIII of England excommunicated
    Jan 1, 1533

    Henry VIII of England excommunicated

    Henry VIII wanted to get a divorce from his wife Catherine, to marry Anne Boleyn.
  • Ivan the Terrible is born
    Aug 25, 1533

    Ivan the Terrible is born

    Born on of the most violent czars in Russia.
  • Jesuit order founded by Ignatius Loyola
    Aug 15, 1534

    Jesuit order founded by Ignatius Loyola

    A spanish knight from a basque noble family. Emerged as a religious leader during the counter reformation.
  • Desiderius Eramus dies
    Jan 1, 1536

    Desiderius Eramus dies

    Classical scholar lived in the reformation period, wanted to reform the chruch from within.
  • Scientific Revoultion - Copernicus
    Jan 1, 1543

    Scientific Revoultion - Copernicus

    Starting point of modern astronomy and the defining epiphany that begun this revolution is science.
  • Spain declares bankruptcy for the 1st time
    Jan 1, 1557

    Spain declares bankruptcy for the 1st time

    Due to the rise in military costs, from the hundred year war.
  • Coronation of Queen Elizebeth I
    Jan 15, 1559

    Coronation of Queen Elizebeth I

    Father, Henry VIII and mother, Anne Boleyn, called the Virgin Queen. She was coronated at the age of twenty five.
  • Saint Bartholomew's Massacre
    Aug 23, 1572

    Saint Bartholomew's Massacre

    This plan was to exterminate all protestants in the land, and this act was approved by the Queen.
  • Edict of Nantes

    Edict of Nantes

    Henry IV of France granted calvinist protestants of france substantial rights in a nation still considered essentially catholic.