What Happened This Year 1490

Historical Events from This Year 1490

Politics & Government

Marriage by Proxy of Anne and Maximilian I

December 19th, 1490 534 years ago

Anne, Duchess of Brittany, was married by proxy to Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Emperor, in a ceremony held in Brittany. This strategic union was aimed at reinforcing Brittany's independence from France while establishing strong ties with powerful imperial forces. The marriage was conducted in absence of Maximilian, who was represented by an envoy. This arrangement marked a significant diplomatic maneuver in late 15th-century Europe.

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Born in 1490 (View all 19)

Valentin Friedland

German scholar and educationist of Reformation
Born
February 14th, 1490 535 years ago
Died
1556 469 years ago — 66 years old

A key figure in the German Reformation, contributed to advancing educational reforms and promoting the study of the Scriptures. Played an integral role in the establishment of a Protestant educational framework. Actively participated in the dissemination of Reformation ideas, influencing religious and academic thought during the 16th century.

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Charles III

Duke of Bourbon
Born
February 17th, 1490 535 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1527 497 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1490, held the title of Duke of Bourbon and was a prominent noble in France during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Engaged in multiple military conflicts, including the Italian Wars, and played a significant role in the power dynamics of French nobility. His lineage and titles contributed to his influence in the region. He was involved in several key events of his time, including allegiance shifts and battles that affected the course of French history.

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Vojtěch I of Pernstein

Bohemian nobleman and courtier
Born
April 4th, 1490 534 years ago
Died
1534 491 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1490, a significant Bohemian nobleman and influential courtier during the early 16th century. Vojtěch I of Pernstein held important positions including the governorship of the kingdom of Bohemia. His lineage included prestigious connections, contributing to his prominence in the Czech lands. The Pernstein family was closely aligned with the Habsburgs, enhancing its political standing. Known for a strong commitment to the Catholic Church, he played a role in the counter-reformation efforts in the region. Vojtěch I's legacy continued through the function and influence of his descendants in Bohemian nobility until the dissolution of noble titles.

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Albert

Duke of Prussia
Born
May 17th, 1490 534 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1568 456 years ago — 77 years old

Held the title of Duke of Prussia from 1525 until his death in 1568. Founded the Duchy of Prussia, which marked the establishment of a Protestant state. Oversaw the transition from a monastic state under the Teutonic Knights to a secular duchy. Engaged in political and military affairs during the Reformation period.

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Albert of Brandenburg

German archbishop and church politician
Born
June 28th, 1490 534 years ago
Died
1545 480 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1490, held the position of Archbishop of Mainz. Played a significant role in the financing of the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica through the sale of indulgences. His actions contributed to the spread of the Protestant Reformation by prompting Martin Luther to write the Ninety-Five Theses. Involved in various political and ecclesiastical conflicts, particularly concerning the power dynamics within the Holy Roman Empire. Died in 1545, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the religious and political transformations of the time.

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Bernardo Pisano

Italian priest and composer of sacred music
Born
October 12th, 1490 534 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1548 477 years ago — 57 years old

Served as a priest and made significant contributions to sacred music during the Renaissance. Composed several motets and served as a music teacher, influencing the musical landscape of the time. His works were performed in various religious settings, highlighting the fusion of liturgical text and melody. Held a prominent position within the ecclesiastical community as a scholar and a composer, contributing to both music and formal education.

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People Who Died in 1490

Ashikaga Yoshimasa

Japanese shōgun and cultural patron
Born
January 20th, 1436 589 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1490 535 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 1436, served as the 8th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1449 until 1473. Oversaw a period marked by cultural flourishing in Japan, particularly during the Muromachi period. Established the Ginkaku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto, and supported the development of the tea ceremony and ink painting. His reign faced political turmoil and civil strife, culminating in the Onin War, which significantly affected the governance of Japan. Although governance waned, the cultural heritage initiated during his tenure later influenced various art forms and Japanese aesthetics.

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Matthias Corvinus

Hungarian king with a strong rule
Born
February 23rd, 1443 582 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1490 534 years ago — 47 years old

Reigned as King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490. Led military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and strengthened the kingdom's defenses. Established a well-rounded court in Buda and promoted culture, including founding the library known as the Bibliotheca Corviniana, one of the largest Renaissance libraries in Europe. Implemented reforms to improve governance and taxation, enhancing royal authority.

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Edmund Grey

1st Earl of Kent and nobleman
Born
1416 609 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1490 534 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent English nobleman and administrator, served as the 1st Earl of Kent following his elevation to the peerage. Held significant roles in the royal administration during the late 15th century. Participated in the Wars of the Roses, aligning with the Yorkist faction. Contributed to local governance and land management in his regions of influence. Played a key role in issues pertaining to the nobility and its interactions with the monarchy.

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Joanna

Princess of Portugal
Born
February 6th, 1452 573 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1555 469 years ago — 103 years old

Born in 1452, a prominent nobility figure, she was the daughter of King Afonso V of Portugal. Married to King Manuel I of Portugal, contributed to the unification of Portugal through royal alliances. Her life was marked by the political reconfigurations of the Iberian Peninsula. Despite personal challenges, she played a significant role in the court and supported her husband in governance. Passed away in 1490, leaving a legacy tied to the Portuguese monarchy.

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Ivan the Young

Son of Ivan III of Russia
Born
February 15th, 1458 567 years ago
Died
1490 535 years ago — 32 years old

Born in 1458, the individual was the son of Ivan III, the Grand Prince of Moscow. The individual became a prominent figure in the history of Russia during the late 15th century. Raised in an environment of political power, the individual was part of the ruling dynasty, often entangled in the complex dynamics of Russian nobility and foreign relations. The individual's life was characterized by the challenges of succession and governance amid the strengthening of centralized authority in Russia. The individual’s reign saw significant developments in the political landscape of the region, influenced greatly by the actions of his father, Ivan III.

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