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Period: 1564 to
Galileo Galilei lives
Galileo Galilei was a prominent Italian scientist. His telescopic observations supported Copernicus' heliocentric theory, challenging geocentric ideas. He published "Sidereus Nuncius" in 1610. Despite resistance from the Church, his contributions to physics and mathematics endure, and he was instrumental in the Scientific Revolution. Other important scientifics of this time are Kepler and Newton. -
The Baroque begins
The Baroque began in Italy, sheltered and encouraged by the Catholic hierarchy, which used art as an excellent propaganda weapon to curb the Protestant Reformation, after the Council of Trent (1545-1563) had definitively laid the foundations for the restoration of Catholicism. -
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The Austrian dynasty is in Spain
The Austrian dynasty spanned the whole of the 17th century, the century that saw the reigns of Philip III, Philip IV and Charles II. They were characterised by delegating their governmental functions to members of the aristocracy known as valides. -
Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare die
23 April is an important day for world literature because on this day in 1616, Cervantes and Shakespeare, two famous writers, died. -
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The 30-year war
The Thirty Years' War was a war fought in Central Europe (mainly the Holy Roman Empire) between 1618 and 1648, in which most of the major European powers of the time were involved. This war marked the future of Europe as a whole for centuries to come. -
New philosophical system
René Descartes created a new philosophical system and a new method of scientific research based on methodical doubt and the analysis of parts: rationalism, when he published the Discourse on Method in 1638. -
Charles 1 of England is executed
English Revolution. Charles I is executed in 1649 for being considered a tyrant by Parliament and Cromwell leads a civil war that attempts to establish a Commonwealth in 1650. -
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The construction of the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, built in the 17th century on the outskirts of Paris, France, is an impressive architectural complex symbolising the splendour of absolute monarchy. Initiated by Louis XIV, the construction of Versailles spanned several decades. The palace features opulent salons, elaborate gardens and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Versailles was the centre of France's political and cultural power during the Baroque period, and its influence spread throughout Europe. -
The Bourbons begin to reign in Spain
On 3 October 1700, an ailing King Charles II signed the will that put an end to the Habsburg dynasty in Spain, passing the crown to the future Philip V of Bourbon. -
The Baroque ends
For many scholars, the end of the Baroque period is established with the death of the composer Johan Sebastian Bach on 28 July 1750.