Leonardo Da Vinci's Life

Date of Birth

Apr 15, 1452

Leonardo Da Vinci was born on April 15th, 1452 near the city of Vinci, Italy. His father, Piero Da Vinci, worked as a notary. His mother, Caterina, was a peasant. This event is significant because Leonardo Da Vinci went on
to become possibly the most influential artist and inventor of the Renaissance. Source: (Romei 14)

End of Hundred Years War

Oct 19, 1453

The Hundred Years War was ended on October 19th, 1453. It was ended when France defeated England. The war was started because of the question of the legitimacy of the successor of the French crown. The Hundred Years War was important because it enabled France to become a more unified nation. France was later able to
become a world power. Source: (Grum 208)

Middle Passage Begins

Jan 1, 1455

The use of the Middle Passage began in 1450. The Middle Passage was the journey of slaves crossing the Atlantic from Africa to the Americas. This transatlantic journey took an average of a month or two. During this time, slaves were stored as cargo under the deck of the ship and chained together. This event is important because it enabled the Americas to use slaves, which heped their economy because of increased crop
production. Source: (Grum 255)

Chenguah Becomes Emperor of the Ming Dynasty

Jan 1, 1464

In 1464, Chenguah became the emperor of the Ming dynasty. The Ming dynasty, was the ruling dynasty of China for 276 years. Chenguah ruled China from 1464 to 1487. This event is significant because it allwed for the continuation of the Ming dynasty. Source: (Grum 341)

Becomes Apprentice of Andrea del Verrocchio

Jan 1, 1469

Leonardo Da Vinci was sent to become an apprentice in 1469 at the age of 17. He became an apprentice under the supervision of Andrea del Verrocchio. Andrea del Verrocchio said that Leonardo Da Vinc was perhaps one of the most talented young artist he had ever seen. This event is significant because Andrea del Verricchio taught da Vinci taught da Vinci some of his most valuable tequniques in drawing and painting. Source:(Romei 15)

Becomes Member of the Painter's Guild of Florence

Jan 1, 1472

Leonardo da Vinci became a member of the Painter's Guild of Florence in 1472. Here, he created many of his famous works. Most of what he created here was unfinished or not discovered. This event is important because Leonardo da Vinci created many of his famous pieces of art here and became a well-known artist. Source: (Encyclopedia of World Biography)

First Drawing

Aug 5, 1473

On August 5th, 1473, Leonardo da Vinci created his first work of art that he completed by himself. This is a drawing of a landscape called Arno Valley. This drawing was constructed from pen and ink. This drawing is significant because it was Da Vinci's first drawing. It portrayed his talent and led to his future pieces of art. Source: (Moss 139)

Establishes His Own Studio

Jan 1, 1477

In 1477, Leonardo da Vinci set up his own studio in Florence, Italy. Here he sketched many designs for inventions and painted many works. This is significant because Da Vinci began to establish himself as an artist. Source: (Moss 140)

Designed the Parachute

Jan 1, 1483

Sometime during the year of 1483, Leonardo da Vinci designed the parachute. As with many of his inventions, this parachute was never tested by Leonardo da Vinci himself. In 2000, his design was tested by scientists who discovered that contrary to belief his design worked, possibly even better than today's parachute. This invention is significant because his design was tuned into the modern parachute, which is used for fun and by military personnel everywhere. Source: (Famous Inventions)

Writes "Codex on the Flight of Birds"

Jan 1, 1490

Leonardo da Vinci wrote his famous book, "Codex on the Flight of BIrds", in 1490. It was written backwards, but no one really knows why. It was a book about the flight patterns of birds and other flying animals so he could mimic them and create his own flying machine. This event led him to create the air screw, which led to the modern-day helicopter. Source: (Italian Artist, Engineer, and Scientist)

Christopher Columbus Sails to Americas

Aug 3, 1492

On August 3rd, 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed with 70 crew and three ships, the Santa Maria, La Nina, and La Pinta. He sailed at the age of 41 from the port of Palos, Spain. This event is important because Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering "The New World". After a successful first
voyage, Columbus was comissioned to endure on a second
voyge. Source: (Grum 216)

Designs Air Screw

Jan 1, 1493

During the year of 1493, Lenardo da Vinci designed the air screw. He designed it by observing birds and other flying creatures. It works by compessing the air under it to cretae lift. This invention is significant because his design influenced today's
helicopter, which is used in various ways worlwide. Source: (Famous Inventions)

Mona Lisa Painted

Jan 1, 1503

The famous Mona Lisa was painted in 1503. It is an oil painting painted with the Sfumato technique. It is arguably the most famous painting ever and took around four years to complete. This painting influenced many artists. It also raises many questions pertaining to the subject of the painting. Source: (The Mona Lisa)

Francois I Becomes King of France

Dec 6, 1515

On December 6th, 1515, Francois I became the king of France. He ruled France until 1547. He is the nephew of Louis XII. This event is important because Francois's rule over France resulted in the spread of humanism. Source: (Grum 228)

Hernan Cortes Sails for Mexico

Mar 13, 1519

On March 13th, 1519, Hernan Cortes set sail to Mexica with over 500 men and 11 ships. His expedition was originally canelled, but he ignored that. In 1519, Cortes reached Mexico. This event is significant because his expedition was successful and he was able to conquer the Aztecs. Because of his successful conquering, he was deemed governor of New Spain. Source: (Grum 420)

Date of Death

May 2, 1519

On May 2nd, 1519, Leonardo da Vinci passed away. He died in Clos Luce, Italy of natural cause. This event is important because Leonardo da Vinci's death was the end of his career. After he died, the world appreciated his art even more. Source: (Cavendish 94)