What Happened This Year 1488

Historical Events from This Year 1488

Exploration & Discovery

Bartolomeu Dias reaches Mossel Bay, South Africa

February 3rd, 1488 537 years ago

Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese explorer, made a significant maritime achievement by landing in Mossel Bay after successfully rounding the Cape of Good Hope. His journey was part of an expedition to find a sea route to India. This was a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery, as Dias became the first known European to sail so far south along the African coast, opening the door for future explorations and trade routes to Asia.

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Military & Warfare

Rebel Lords Defeat King James III at Sauchieburn

June 11th, 1488 536 years ago

The Battle of Sauchieburn saw rebel lords clash with the forces of King James III of Scotland. Taking place in the fields of Stirlingshire, the conflict arose from widespread dissatisfaction with the king’s rule and his perceived favoritism towards certain nobles. As tensions escalated, rebel Lords, including the popular Earl of Argyll and the Duke of Albany, engaged the royal army. During the fierce fighting, King James III was killed. His death marked a significant shift in Scottish leadership and spurred a power struggle among nobles.

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Exploration & Discovery

Choe Bu's Remarkable Return to Korea

July 12th, 1488 536 years ago

After enduring months of challenges during a shipwrecked journey, Joseon Dynasty official Choe Bu returned to Korea from China. His travels included significant hardships across the seas, illustrating the tenacity and resilience necessary for navigating such perilous conditions. Upon his return, he likely provided valuable insights about foreign lands and trade opportunities, which would be beneficial for Joseon's diplomacy and economic endeavors.

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Religion & Philosophy

Bishop Konrad Bitz Prefaces Missale Aboense

August 17th, 1488 536 years ago

Konrad Bitz, as the Bishop of Turku, penned a preface for the Missale Aboense, which is recognized as the oldest known book in Finland. The Missale Aboense, a significant liturgical text, was essential for the Catholic Church in Finland, serving both as a guide for church rituals and as a testament to the evolution of written language in the region. This act marked a pivotal development in the history of Finnish literature.

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Politics & Government

Anne becomes Duchess of Brittany and key figure

September 9th, 1488 536 years ago

Anne of Brittany ascended as the sovereign Duchess of Brittany, positioning herself at the heart of the complex political landscape of late 15th-century France. The power struggle between Brittany and France significantly intensified as Anne's marriage alliances became a focal point for uniting the two regions. Her determination and strategic maneuvers not only influenced the balance of power but also played a crucial role in shaping Brittany's future, setting the stage for its eventual integration into the French kingdom. This pivotal moment reflected the broader themes of territorial consolidation and dynastic politics in France.

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