-
476
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The collapse of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, a period of transition and instability in Europe as new kingdoms and power structures emerged. -
800
Charlemagne Coronation as Roman Emporer
Charlemagne's crowning by Pope Leo III led to the Roman Empire, uniting Western Europe under a single ruler and promoting a revival of classical learning. -
1215
The Magna Carta
King John of England's signing of the Magna Carta limited the power of the monarchy, establishing the principle of the rule of law and individual rights. This set the precedent for many free countries in the future. -
1351
The Black Death
The bubonic plague swept across Europe, killing millions and causing social and economic upheaval. -
1440
The Gutenberg Bible
Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press revolutionized the spread of knowledge, making books more accessible and contributing to the dissemination of Renaissance ideas. -
1453
The Hundred Years' War
A series of conflicts between England and France that shaped European politics and warfare. It spanned from 1337-1453, the placement on this timeline reflects its end. -
1490
Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man
This iconic illustration represents the Renaissance's focus on humanism and the intersection of art and science, highlighting the ideal proportions of the human body. -
1492
Colombus's Voyage to the Americas
Columbus' journey marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the New World. -
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
This agreement between Spain and Portugal divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe, influencing their colonial expansion in the Americas and Asia. -
1498
Vasco da Gama's Voyage to India
Da Gama's successful sea route to India opened the way for European trade with Asia and established Portugal as a global maritime power. -
1512
Michelango's Creation of Adam
Painted on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, this masterpiece exemplifies the Renaissance's emphasis on human potential and artistic expression. -
1513
Machiavellis' "The Prince"
Niccolò Machiavelli's political treatise laid the groundwork for modern political thought, exploring the ruthless pragmatism of leadership. -
1519
Ferdinand Magellan's Circumnavigation of the Globe
Magellan's expedition proved that the Earth was round and expanded European geographical knowledge. -
1543
Copernicus's Heliocentric Model
Nicolaus Copernicus' revolutionary theory challenged the geocentric view of the universe, laying the foundation for modern astronomy and the Scientific Revolution. -
1545
The Council of Trent
This important ecumenical council addressed religious reform and reaffirmed Catholic doctrine in response to the Protestant Reformation.