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Jan 1, 1300
Renaissance Begins
The Renaissance is a period in Europe, From the 14 to the 17th century. It started as a cultural movement in Italy in the Late Medieval period. The intellectual basis of the Renaissance was its own invented version of humanism. -
Oct 1, 1347
Black Death Begins in Europe
The Black Death Killed a 1/3 of Europe. It started in Asia and spread to Italy. The Black death spread through flees and rats. -
Jan 1, 1440
Johannes Gutenberg- Printing press
Johannes Gutenberg a goldsmith and businessman from the mining town of Mainz in southern Germany. He invented the printing press with replaceable/moveable wooden or metal letters. The printing press remained standard until the 20th century. -
Jan 1, 1470
Slave trade across Atlantic
The vast majority of those who were enslaved and transported to the New world. The South Atlantic and Caribbean economic system centered on producing commodity crops. This was crucial to those western European countries. -
Aug 3, 1492
1st voyage of Columbus
Having convinced the King and Queen of Spain to finance his voyage, Christopher Columbus deported mainland Spain on August 3,1492. He made port in the Canary Islands for a final restocking and left there on September 6. He was in command of 3 ships; the Pinta, The Nina, and the Santa Maria. -
Jul 1, 1497
Da Gama lands in India
Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama becomes the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean when he arrives at Calicut on the Malabar Coast. Da Gama sailed from Libson, Portugal, in July 1497. Da Gama anchored at Malindi on the east coast of Africa. -
Jan 1, 1499
Naming of the "new World"
In 1507 a German cartographer, Martin Waldseemuller, chose to make a new map that included the new world. When the larger new map, approximately 8 feet by 4 feet, was unveiled by Waldseemuller. When North america was later added, the mapmakers of the time retained the original name. -
Jan 1, 1512
Michelangelo begins painting the Sistine Chapel
The chapel is the location for papal conclaves and many important services. Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. The interior of the Sistine Chapel showing the ceiling in relation to the other frescoes. -
Jan 1, 1517
Da Vinci paints the "Mona Lisa"
The painting thought to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini. The Mona Lisa is on a white Lombardy poplar panel. It was acquired by King Francis I of France and is now the property of the French Republic. -
Jan 1, 1517
Martin Luther posts 95 Theses
The priest and scholar Martin Luther approaches the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther condemned the excess and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the papal practice of asking payment called "Indulgences". By the time Luther died, of natural causes, in 1546, his revolutionary beliefs had formed the basis for the Protestant Reformation. -
Jan 1, 1519
Magellan starts his "around the world" trip
The voyage was long and dangerous, and only one ship returned home three years later. Although it was laden with valuable spices from the East, only 18 of the fleets original crew of 270 returned with the ship. Magellan was killed in the battle on the voyage. -
Nov 15, 1532
Pizarro invades the Inca Empire
He sailed down to Peru, landing at tumbes. He led his army up the Andes Mountains and on November 15, 1532. Atahuallpa was enjoying the hot springs in preparation for his march on Cuzo. -
Sep 7, 1533
Elizabeth I becomes Queen of England
Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VII and Anne Boleyn. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana or Good Queen Bess. Annes marriage to Henry VII was annulled. -
Jan 1, 1549
Henry VIII founds Anglican Church
The Church of England broke with Rome, largely because Pope Clement VI refused to grant Henry an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The governing structure of the church is based on dioceses, each presided over by a bishop. Within each diocese are local parishes. -
Jan 1, 1563
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent held between 1545 and 1563 in Trento (Trent) and Bologna, northern Italy. The Roman Catholic Church's are important ecumenical councils. Promoted by the Protestant Reformation. -
Jamestown, colony in Virginia, founded
104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start a settlement. They picked Jamestown Virginia for their settlement, which was named after their King, James I. The settlement became the first permanent English settlement in North America.
