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Jan 1, 1440
Invention of the Printing Press
The Printing Press was invented around 1440 by Johanes Gutenberg in the Holy Roman Empire. The invention of the Printing Press revolutionized the world, creating mass production of books and spreading over a dozen European countries, and ultimately, the world. -
Period: Jan 1, 1440 to
Renaissance
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Mar 6, 1447
Pope Nicholas V
Pope Nicholas V took the first steps necessary in order to resurrect Rome. He rebuilt it as a city, including the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, and supported arts and reviving the city's economy. He restores the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct. He founded a library of 9,000 volumes and issues the Dum Diversas, which allowed the Portuguese to attack and conquer over anybody who was not Christian. -
Jan 1, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
Fell after 1,128 years of ruling to armies of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II. After holding the last Christian meeting ever in the city, the next day Constantinople was raided by Muslims and Justinian's greatest church in Christendom became a mosque. -
Jan 1, 1478
Spanish Inquisition Begins
Began when the Dominican priest Tomas de Torquemada was appointed Grand Inquisitor by Ferdinand and Isabella. Approximately 2,000 burnings at the stake occured with Torquemada as leader of the Inquisition. -
Jan 1, 1493
Rule of Maximillian I
Rule of Maximillian I begins in 1493 and lasts until 1519. This emperor undertook long wars in Italy and Hungary to further extend the family lands. He married his son Philip The Handsome to Joanna of Castile, which led to the establishment of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain, thus making him first de jure King of Spain. His rule came to an end in 1519 and then his successor Charles V took over. -
Jan 1, 1500
The Reformation
The reformation's most known leader was Martin Luther. He began the reformation of the Catholic church by going against the selling of indulgences, growing wealth of the church, and lack of Bible text in the corresponding language to the people. The 95 Theses were posted arguing against these things the Catholic church was doing. -
Jan 1, 1503
Golden Age Begins
The Golden Age began when Pope Julius ascended to the throne, bringing prosperity to both the papacy and the city of Rome. Faith in the papacy was renewed and it was a successful period of rebuilding Rome. At this time, artists flocked to the city in hopes of commissions. -
May 6, 1527
Sack of Rome
Military event carried out by the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, Charles V. It marked victory in conflict between Charles V and alliance the Papacy had with France, Venice, Florence, and Milan. Funds could not pay soldiers for the war, so they proceeded to pillage every rich city and the Rome was one of them. -
Jan 1, 1545
The Counter Reformation
The Counter Reformation is also known as the Catholic Revival or the Catholic Reformation. Pope Paul III addressed what Martin Luther held against the Catholic church in the Council of Trent. At this council meeting, the Catholic church decides to put an end to Reformation expansion with reteaching the people and sending the Inquisition out for people who did not wish to be retaught. -
"The Faerie Queene" is published.
Noted as one of the longest poems in the English language. Was written to praise Queen Elizabeth I. Described as allusive and allegorical.
