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Jan 1, 1440
Invention of the Printing Press
At this event, the printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg. This invention led to more record keeping, the fast and mass printing of books, and a better form of communication amongst people. -
Period: Jan 1, 1440 to
Period of the Northern Renaissance
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Jan 1, 1453
The Hundred Years' War
1337-1453
This war was fought between the armies of Edward III and Philip VI. These two parties fought for the succession of the throne of Charles IV after his death. The significance of this event is that, it revolutionized the face of war , and upgraded it from medieval to modern warfare. -
May 29, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
On this date, the the city of Constantinople, the powerhouse of Europe, was sieged and ravaged by the Islamic Ottoman Empire. This was the official end of the Roman Empire -
Jan 1, 1487
Leonardo da Vinci completes Virtruvian Man
During this year, the famous artist / inventor Leonardo da vinci completed his painting of the Virtruvian Man, a work depicting the proportions and anatomy of humans. This painting is a perfect example of work during the Renaissance period, combining art and science together. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus discovers the Americas
On this date, Columbus, while trying to find an alternate route to Asia, from Europe, stumbled upon the Americas. His discovery opened up the Western Hemishpere for the diffusion of culture, goods, and the transmission of diseases. -
Jan 1, 1504
Copernicus develops heliocentric theory
Though it is not clear as to when the heliocentric theory was actually developed, this is the year that Copernicus started the research and development of his theory. His theory stated that Earth and all of the other planets in the solar system revolved around the Sun. -
Jan 1, 1512
Michelangelo completes Sistine Chapel painting
This commission was issued to Michelangelo, in which he started painting the Sistine Chapel's ceiling in the year 1508, and completed it in the year 1512. Michelangelo's work was the epitome of art in the High Renaissance era, and became a great influence of art for centuries to come. -
Oct 31, 1517
Martin Luther publishes the 95 theses
On this date during the Northern Renaissance, a monk named Martin Luther, posted his 95 theses to local, and state, church doors. The 95 theses stated the reasons why the church should not sell indulgences. This event is significant, because it started the Reformation, the split within Western Christianity. -
Caravaggio completes The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew
Started in the year 1599, the famous painter named Caravaggio completed his painting called "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew", in 1600. This work was a great advancement in the field of art in the Renaissance period, using realism, and dramatic lighting. -
Death of Elizabeth I
In this event, Queen Elizabeth I, the greatest monarch to ever rule England, died of blood poisoning. Under Queen Elizabeth's reign, the English people and government prospered, but when she died, the period of art and innovation ended with her.
