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1326
1326 - The Death of Petrarch's Father
It was around this time that Petrarch's father passed away. It was he that pressured his son to pursue law studies, but with him gone, it meant that Petrarch was free to abandon those studies; he replaced law with literature. This is important in that his rediscovery of Cicero's letters may have initiated the Renaissance. -
1400
1400 - Humanism: The Second Coming
It was around this time that the idea of humanism returned to Europe, having already been pursued by Greece and Rome centuries before. Humanism is the idea that one is constantly stuck between faith and scientific reasoning; people began to question everything once again. -
1439
1439 - You Say You Want a Printing Revolution...
It was around this time that it was first stated that Johannes Gutenberg had invented the printing press. This, of course, would lead to something referred to as the "printing revolution" in Europe and, consequently, all around the world. -
1478
1478 - 1492 - de' Medici Rules Florence
Lorenzo de' Medici favored artists above most everything. His patronage to the arts was undeniable. This is important in that he encouraged artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. -
1478
1478 - Spanish Inquisition
It was around this time that Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile instituted an inquisition in order to maintain Catholic Orthodoxy. It was also brought about in order to replace the Medieval Inquisition, as that was controlled by the Pope. However, this did not go swimmingly, and was abolished in the 1800s by Isabella II. -
1482
1482 - Leonardo da Vinci's First Commissioned Work
It was around this time that Leonardo da Vinci began painting his first commissioned work. This is important in that it would later lead to the masterpieces for which he is still known today: "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," among other pieces. -
1484
1484 - Durer Paints a Self Portrait
It was around this time that Albrecht Durer, a German artist, begins to show off his skills. He constructs a self portrait, which was quickly followed by more paintings in the years to come. However, it was engraving for which he was known, which takes quite a bit of artistic skill--which he did possess. -
1495
1495 - Erasmus Studies Theology
It was around this time that Erasmus was sent to the University of Paris to study theology. A humanist, he took a keen interest in secular learning. In the years that followed, because of this, he began learning Greek, and had much to do with the New Testament. -
1498
1498 - Michelangelo Begins Painting
It was around this time that Michelangelo Buonarroti began creating works of art for commission. His first jobs were based in Rome. This is important in that commissions from rich families is what brought about the masterpiece that is the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. -
1500
1500 - And She's Buying the Stairway to Heaven...
It was around this time that Pope Leo X began raising money via the sale of indulgences. He told the public that the only way to be forgiven for one's sins and guaranteed salvation was to purchase these "indulgences" for absurd amounts of money. This allowed for the extreme wealth of the Church. -
Dec 10, 1500
1500 - Raphael Gets His First Commission
It was around this time that Raphael was commissioned to paint an altarpiece ("The Coronation of the Virgin" for a church). He was already labelled a master, at the age of 17. This is important in that it justifies his extreme talent and obsession with the Madonna. -
1505
1505 - Martin Luther Joins a Monastery
It was around this time that Martin Luther abandoned his law studies and pursued a career as a monk. Because of this, he was expected to take a pilgrimage to their holy city, Rome. It was there he realized the corruption in the Church, so his life goal changed. He constructed his "95 Theses," and began his own form of Christianity/Catholicism. -
1512
1512 - Machiavelli Serves in the Second Chancery
It was around this time that Niccolo Machiavelli gained an apprenticeship in the second chancery. While holding this post, he convinced those above him to establish a militia. This is important in that his ideas of ruling easily brought about his book, "The Prince." -
1514
1514 - Copernicus is Invited to the Church
It was around this time that Nicolaus Copernicus was invited to the Church to offer his opinion concerning their calendar. However, he didn't attend this meeting, or any of their subsequent meetings. This is important in that, just a few years later, he had ideas (like a heliocentric universe) that challenged the Church. -
1521
1521 - Ignatius of Loyola is Praying for His Life
It was around this time that Ignatius of Loyola was being treated for a terrible illness. He truly believed that he would die, so he quickly sought the hope that accompanies faith. This is important in that this new saintly behavior would assist him as he encouraged a religious reform. -
1527
1527 - Henry VIII Seeks a Divorce
It was around this time that King Henry VIII wanted a divorce from his wife of many years, Catherine of Aragon. He sought annulment from this marriage as they were unable to produce a male heir. This is important in that the denial of annulment sparked Henry VIII to take over the Church of England. -
1528
1528 - John Calvin Studies Theology
It was around this time that John Calvin turned his back on the idea of priesthood, and instead studied law/theology. While this was happening, the Reformation was also happening. He disagreed with some of Luther's ideas, so he began his own branch of Christianity/Catholicism. -
1534
1534 - Alessandro Farnese Becomes Pope Paul III
It was around this time that Pope Paul III's reign began. This is important in that he was the first pope of the counter-reformation, and his viewpoints were certainly different than other papal authority: he encouraged the beginning of the reform movement. -
1543
1543 - People Revolve Around the Heliocentric Theory
It was around this time that the Heliocentric Theory really took off, thanks to Nicolaus Copernicus. This theory states that the sun is the center of the universe and that everything revolves around it. This, however, was very controversial, as it defied Church doctrine. -
Dec 13, 1545
1545 - Let the Council of Trent Begin
It was around this time that Germany wanted to excommunicate Martin Luther, the creator of the "95 Theses." However, Paul III declared that the only chance of reform was a council. Here, men sought clarification of Catholic doctrines, in defense of Luther. -
1549
1549 - Seymour Wants to Marry Elizabeth I
It was around this time that Thomas Seymour, having married Catherine Parr before she died, expressed an interest in marrying Elizabeth I, third in line to the throne. However, he was executed for treason, for wanting marriage to Elizabeth I only to become king. This is important in that it may have aided to her cause to never get married; she did not want just anyone ruling England. -
1609 - Galileo Creates a Telescope
It was around this time that Galileo Galilei constructed two of his own telescopes. He used these to observe the moon, planets, and anything else in the sky, really. This is important in that it helped him to solidify his agreement with Copernicus's heliocentric ideas. -
1621 - Bacon is Removed from Parliament
It was around this time that Sir Francis Bacon was removed from Parliament on the grounds that he had accepted bribes. Upon confessing, he was imprisoned, but not for very long, although it did end his political career. With all of his free time, he began heavily encouraging usage of the Scientific Method. -
1628 - Descartes Travels Europe
It was around this time that Rene Descartes traveled northern and southern Europe. Because of this, he was exposed to different kinds of people with different kinds of mindsets, which prompted him to change his own mindset. Mathematically driven, he was one of the first people to abandon Aristotelianism. -
1665 - Newton Dodges the Plague
It was around this time that the plague reached the university Newton had been attending. He was forced to stay home, so as to avoid catching the illness. This is important in that he now had time to reflect on all of his discoveries and even make new ones; the discoveries he made at this time would be key for his universal laws of gravity.
