What Happened This Year 1404

Historical Events from This Year 1404

Health & Medicine

First Post-Mortem Autopsy for Teaching in Vienna

February 12th, 1404 621 years ago

Galeazzo di Santa Sofia, an Italian professor, conducted the first recorded post-mortem autopsy specifically for educational purposes at the Heiligen-Geist Spital in Vienna. This groundbreaking event aimed to enhance medical understanding and anatomy knowledge among students and practitioners alike. Di Santa Sofia's work marked a significant shift in medical education, emphasizing empirical observation and the importance of direct study of human anatomy. The autopsy also drew attention to the evolving role of medicine in society during this period.

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Military & Warfare

Owain Glyndŵr Allies with France Against England

June 14th, 1404 620 years ago

Owain Glyndŵr, having declared himself Prince of Wales, formed an alliance with the French against King Henry IV of England. This partnership aimed to strengthen the Welsh resistance during a turbulent period marked by rebellion and the quest for Welsh independence. The alliance was pivotal in challenging English rule and symbolized the unity of Welsh aspirations for sovereignty, utilizing foreign support to bolster their cause.

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Born in 1404 (View all 8)

Sir Philip Courtenay

English noble and landowner
Born
January 18th, 1404 621 years ago
Died
1463 562 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1404, a prominent English noble and landowner arose during the 15th century. Served as a Member of Parliament and held various influential positions within local governance. Established a legacy of estate management in the southwest of England. Besides political duties, contributed to the territorial and economic landscape of the region through strategic marriages and alliances.

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Leon Battista Alberti

Italian architect and Renaissance thinker
Born
February 14th, 1404 621 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1472 552 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1404, played a significant role in the development of Renaissance architecture and humanist thought. Worked on multiple architectural projects, including the facade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Authored influential texts, notably the theoretical treatise "De re aedificatoria," which set forth principles of architecture and design. Contributed to the fields of painting and literature through writings and creative works.

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John Beaufort

English military leader and noble
Born
March 25th, 1404 620 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1444 580 years ago — 40 years old

The 1st Duke of Somerset served as a military leader during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War. Born in 1404, Beaufort held significant titles including Earl of Somerset. He played a pivotal role in various military campaigns, particularly in defense of English territories in France. His leadership was noted in the Battle of Agincourt and the subsequent struggles for dominance in Normandy. The duke's military endeavors spanned several decades, contributing to the ongoing conflicts of the era until his death in 1444.

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Marie of Anjou

Queen consort of England, wife of Henry VI
Born
October 14th, 1404 620 years ago
Died
1463 562 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1404, served as queen consort of England by marriage to Henry VI. Played a central role during the early years of the Wars of the Roses. Areas of influence included supporting Lancastrian claims to the throne and actively engaging in political intrigues. Also noted for her efforts to maintain loyalty among the nobility and control power on behalf of her husband. Key moments included her involvement in significant battles and her ability to rally supporters during tumultuous times.

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Murad II

Ottoman Sultan during the 15th century
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1451 574 years ago — 47 years old

Ruled as the Ottoman Sultan from 1421 to 1444 and again from 1446 until 1451. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns and consolidating power. Led the Ottomans in the Battle of Varna in 1444 against the Kingdom of Poland and the Kingdom of Hungary. Focused on centralizing authority and enhancing the administrative structure of the empire. Oversaw cultural developments and the establishment of strong military forces to expand territorial control.

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Thomas Bourchier

English cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury
Born
1404 621 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1486 538 years ago — 82 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1454 to 1486. Played a significant role in the political and ecclesiastical affairs of England during the Wars of the Roses. Participated in the coronation of Edward IV and Richard III. Convoked the Council of London in 1485, addressing critical issues facing the Church. Active in diplomacy and the governance of the Church, Bourchier's tenure coincided with significant changes in religious practices and the political landscape of England.

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People Who Died in 1404

William of Wykeham

English bishop and educator
Born
1320 705 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1404 620 years ago — 84 years old

William of Wykeham served as the Bishop of Winchester and was a key figure in the development of education in England. He founded New College, Oxford, in 1379 and established Winchester College in 1382, which became significant institutions for education. His contributions to architecture are notable, especially in the rebuilding of Winchester Cathedral.

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Pope Boniface IX

Pope and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church
Born
1356 669 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1404 620 years ago — 48 years old

Held the papacy from 1389 until 1404. Led the Church during the Western Schism, a period characterized by rival popes in Rome and Avignon. Worked to strengthen the authority of the papacy and reduce the influence of rival claimants. Presided over various church councils and was involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the schismatic crisis. Initiated canonizations and promoted the establishment of various church institutions.

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Marie Valois

French princess from Valois lineage
Born
1344 681 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1404 620 years ago — 60 years old

Born into the Valois dynasty, this French princess was a significant player in the political landscape of late 14th and early 15th century France. As a member of the royal family, arranged marriages and alliances were central to her role, contributing to the stability of her lineage during tumultuous times. Her life unfolded against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War, and she played a part in the dynastic politics that characterized this period. The specific details of her marriage and offspring further established her family's claims to power and loyalty among influential nobility. Her legacy includes the continuation of the Valois line, which shaped future French monarchy.

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Philip II

Duke of Burgundy, notable statesman
Born
January 17th, 1342 683 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1618 407 years ago — 276 years old

Born in 1342, Philip II became the Duke of Burgundy and played a significant role in the politics of France and the Low Countries during the late 14th century. His reign was marked by territorial expansion and the consolidation of power in Burgundy. Philip II sought to enhance the Burgundian influence both economically and politically by forming strategic alliances, including marriages into prominent royal families. He was involved in several conflicts during the Hundred Years' War and focused on strengthening Burgundy's autonomy from the French crown. His contributions helped establish the Burgundian state as a notable entity in medieval Europe, with a focus on developing trade, culture, and governance.

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