History Timeline

First Crusade

1096

The First Crusade was the first crusade of many that were carried out by European Christian Knights in an attempt to recapture the Holy Land. This engagement resulted in the establishment of crusader states such as Jerusalem.

Black Death in Europe

1397

The Black Death was one of the most devastating events in human history and resulted in the death of over 50 million people. The Black Death was spread by a bacillus but at the time it was believed to be God punishing mankind and its sins, this led to many conflicts to "earn God's forgiveness".

Gutenberg Invents Printing Press

1440

The invention of the printing press was revolutionary, it allowed literature to be more accessible. This effectively allowed people to access knowledge and the spread of ideas was made easier. The pursuit of knowledge was amplified from this invention.

Renaissance begins in Italy

1450

The Renaissance is the "rebirth" of European Culture and society between the 14th and 16th century. The Renaissance gives rise to many modern ideas and values such as secularism. It was a transition from the ancient to modern world.

Byzantine Empire Falls to Ottoman Empire

May 29, 1453

On May 29,1453, the great city of Constantinople which marked the glory of the Byzantine Empire was attacked and captured by the Ottoman Empire. The Byzantine Empire was on the verge of collapsing through numerous defeats but this loss marked the end.

Christopher Columbus Lands in Caribbean

Oct 12, 1492

On October 12, 1492, Italian Explorer Christopher Columbus lands in the Caribbean in what is now the Bahamas. This discovery sparks the European colonization of the New World.

Machiavelli Writes the Prince

1513

In 1513 Machiavelli begins writing a book dedicated to Lorenzo De'Medici that outlines the ideal ruler and how a ruler can maintain power. This book was later criticized for being cruel and immoral.

Martin Luther Posts the 95 Theses

1517

In 1517 during the Reformation in Europe, Martin Luther posts a series of statements against the Catholic Church. These statements, known as the 95 Theses, attacked and questioned the power of church.

Cortes Arrives in Mexico

1519

Although Cortes's expedition to the Americas was cancelled he ignored his orders and launched the expedition anyways. In February of 1519 he landed in Mexico and soon attacked Tenochtitlan to overthrow the Aztec Leader.

Leonardo Da Vinci Dies

May 2, 1519

On May 2, 1519, the true Renaissance Man, Leonardo Da Vinci, dies at 67. Da Vinci was an accomplished painter, inventor, scientist, philosopher, engineer and medical researcher. His work was ahead of his time and set the foundation for technological advances in the future.

Cartier Arrives in New France

1534

Cartier was the first European to explore deep into the continent, he is considered to be one of the founders of Canada as his exploration into the continent up the St. Lawrence river resulted in France colonizing this area of Canada.

Anglican Church is Founded by King Henry VIII

1534

King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife but this was not allowed in the Catholic Church. Through the Act of Supremacy he severed ties with the Catholic Church and created an independent church of England.

Jesuit Order Founded

Aug 15, 1534

In 1534 a new Roman Catholic reform called the Society of Jesus emerges. This new religious order claimed behaviour can be shaped through discipline and spiritual practices. Known for their educational and charitable nature, the new religious order was a driving force in reforming the church. This new order also played a key part in exploration as they spread their principles and doctrine around the world.

Heliocentric Model Published

1543

In 1543 Nicolaus Copernicus published the Heliocentric Model. This system proposed that the planets all revolve around a fixed sun and only the moon revolves around the Earth. This challenged the older belief that celestial objects orbit the Earth.

Council of Trent

1545

The Council of Trent, held from 1545 to 1563, was a council of the Catholic Church that met to discuss the reformation of the Catholic Church. It was formed as a counter measure to individuals such as Luther that challenged the church.

Galileo is Tried Before the Inquisition

1633

In 1633 Galileo is tried by the Roman Inquisition, a legal system that enforces church doctrine, for supporting the Copernican heliocentric theory. This theory challenged the old geocentric model and went against the church. Galileo was ordered to recant his views.

Birth of Isaac Newton

Dec 25, 1642

Sir Isaac Newton, born December 25, 1642, is an English mathematician and physicist that becomes one of the most influential and scientists of all time and plays a major role in the scientific revolution of the 17th century.