What Happened This Year 1500

Historical Events from This Year 1500 (View all 8)

Military & Warfare

Dukes Friedrich and Johann Battle the Dithmarschen Peasants

February 17th, 1500 525 years ago

Duke Friedrich of Holstein and Duke Johann of Schleswig attempted to subdue the rebellious peasantry of Dithmarschen during the Battle of Hemmingstedt. The conflict arose due to a heavy taxation imposed by the Dukes, prompting the local populace to rise in defense of their rights and autonomy. The battle took place near Hemmingstedt, where the dukes aimed to reassert their control over the region, but the resolute peasants ultimately prevailed, significantly resisting noble authority.

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Exploration & Discovery

Cabral's Fleet Sets Sail for the Indies

March 9th, 1500 525 years ago

Pedro Álvares Cabral led a Portuguese fleet from Lisbon bound for India. This expedition, which aimed to establish trade routes and expand Portugal's influence, resulted in the unexpected discovery of Brazil. The fleet's journey marked a pivotal moment in exploration, symbolizing Portugal's maritime ambitions.

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Military & Warfare

Ludovico Sforza Captured by Swiss Troops

April 10th, 1500 524 years ago

Ludovico Sforza, the former Duke of Milan, was captured by Swiss troops during the siege of Novara. This event occurred as a result of ongoing conflicts for control of Milan, which had seen Sforza's influence wane following a series of military defeats. The Swiss forces, hired by the French to challenge Sforza's rule, ultimately apprehended him, leading to his subsequent handover to the French authorities. Sforza's capture marked a significant turning point in the power dynamics of Italian city-states.

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Exploration & Discovery

Pedro Álvares Cabral Discovers Brazil

April 22nd, 1500 524 years ago

Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese navigator, landed on the coast of Brazil in 1500 while on a voyage to India. His fleet inadvertently sighted the land when deviating from the planned route. The crew established contact with indigenous tribes, marking the beginning of Portuguese interest in the region and subsequent colonial endeavors.

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Exploration & Discovery

Pedro Alvarez Cabral Discovers Brazil's Coastline

April 23rd, 1500 524 years ago

Pedro Alvarez Cabral led a fleet of Portuguese ships on a voyage intended for India but instead stumbled upon the coast of Brazil. When the fleet sighted land, Cabral and his crew explored the new territory, marking the first recorded European presence in Brazil. This unexpected discovery was significant for Portugal as it opened new opportunities for exploration and colonization in South America.

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Military & Warfare

Ottomans Capture Methoni from Venetians

August 9th, 1500 524 years ago

In a significant military engagement, the Ottoman forces led by Sultan Bayezid II successfully captured the strategically important coastal city of Methoni in Messenia from the Republic of Venice. The siege began in 1500, reflecting the ongoing conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Venetian Republic. The capture enhanced Ottoman naval power in the region and was a crucial step in their expansion into the Peloponnese, altering the balance of power in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Born in 1500 (View all 18)

John of Ávila

Spanish mystic and saint
Born
January 6th, 1500 525 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1569 455 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1500, a prominent figure in the Spanish Renaissance, dedicated life to spirituality and education. Played a crucial role in the Catholic Reformation. Authored several theological works including 'Audi, Filia' and other treatises that emphasized personal piety and reformative practices. Ordained as a priest, established a reputation for preaching and fostering spiritual development among clergy and laity. Canonized a saint by the Catholic Church in 1970, recognized for contributions to spiritual literature and pastoral care.

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Jean Quintin

French priest and writer
Born
January 20th, 1500 525 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1561 463 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1500, a French priest and knight contributed to literature during the Renaissance. This individual displayed a commitment to theological and moral subjects through writing. Quintin's works reflected the societal and cultural dynamics of the period. As a knight, engaged in the chivalric traditions of the time, and focused on themes of faith and morality in writings, influencing contemporary discourse on religion and ethics. This priest's intellectual pursuits were emblematic of the era's blend of faith and reason, engaging with both ecclesiastical and literary traditions.

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João de Castro

Viceroy of Portuguese India
Born
February 7th, 1500 525 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1548 476 years ago — 48 years old

Served as the viceroy of Portuguese India from 1545 until 1548. Implemented significant administrative reforms and aimed for better relations with local rulers. Oversaw naval expeditions to secure Portuguese trade routes and territories in the Indian Ocean. Renowned for his strategic vision and contributions to maritime governance.

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Rodolfo Pio da Carpi

Italian cardinal with papal influence
Born
February 22nd, 1500 525 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1564 460 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1500, served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Played a key role in the papal court, influencing ecclesiastical decisions. Promoted various reforms within the church and actively participated in the political and religious affairs of the time. Contributed to the understanding of art and architecture through patronage, notably fostering the works of prominent artists associated with the Renaissance.

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Charles V

Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain
Born
February 24th, 1500 525 years ago
Died
September 21st, 1558 466 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1500, ascended to the throne as Holy Roman Emperor in 1519. Ruled over the Spanish Empire, encompassing territories in Europe and the Americas. Confronted significant political and religious challenges, including the Protestant Reformation. Family ties and inheritance combined multiple crowns, leading to a vast empire. Abdicated in 1556, dividing the Habsburg domains between his son and brother. Spent later years in the Monastery of Yuste in Spain.

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Joachim Camerarius

German scholar and translator of classics
Born
April 12th, 1500 524 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1574 450 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1500, this scholar contributed significantly to the understanding of classical literature and philosophy through his translations and commentaries. The period marked a revival of interest in ancient texts, and this individual played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Latin classical literature and the vernacular languages. As a professor at the University of Leipzig, engaged in educational reform and was influential in the Renaissance humanist movement. His work included facilitating access to important classical texts, thus enriching the academic landscape of his time.

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People Who Died in 1500 (View all 12)

Albert III

Duke of Saxony and military leader
Born
January 27th, 1443 582 years ago
Died
February 29th, 1460 565 years ago — 17 years old

Born in 1443, served as Duke of Saxony from 1464 until death in 1485. Oversaw significant military and political developments in the region. Engaged in conflicts related to the expansion of Saxon territories. Strengthened the ducal authority and made contributions to the governance of Saxony. Worked towards the consolidation of power within the region.

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Gerhard VI

German nobleman and military leader
Born
1430 595 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1500 525 years ago — 70 years old

A nobleman in Germany, held the title of Count of Lingen and was recognized for military leadership during the late 15th century. Played a significant role in regional politics and conflicts. Contributed to the military history of the area and influenced local governance.

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Michael Tarchaniota Marullus

Greek scholar and poet
Died
April 10th, 1500 524 years ago — None years old

A prominent figure in Renaissance literature, contributed extensively to Greek poetry and scholarship. Marullus was particularly noted for his mastery of both Greek and Latin, and for his original poems that reflect classical themes. His works often drew inspiration from the classical past, merging traditional forms with contemporary ideas. He is celebrated for his distinctive style and the continuation of ancient literary traditions during a time of cultural revival in Europe.

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Leonhard of Gorizia

Count of Gorz, political figure
Born
1440 585 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1500 524 years ago — 60 years old

Served as Count of Gorizia during the late 15th century. Oversaw the governance of Gorizia, which played a significant role in the political landscape of the region. Engaged in various territorial disputes and alliances common during this period, influencing local power dynamics. Leadership marked by efforts to maintain autonomy amid external pressures. Contributed to the administration and development of the region through strategic decisions.

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Bartolomeu Dias

Portuguese explorer, first to round Cape of Good Hope
Born
1451 574 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1500 524 years ago — 49 years old

An explorer and navigator, achieved the first successful rounding of the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. This journey opened sea routes to the East and paved the way for further explorations by the Portuguese along the African coast and into Indian Ocean. Letters of indulgence were granted for subsequent voyages which emphasized the Portuguese objectives in exploration and trade.

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Thomas Rotherham

English cleric and Bishop of Rochester
Born
August 24th, 1423 601 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1500 524 years ago — 76 years old

Served as an English cleric during the 15th century. Held the position of Bishop of Rochester and later became the Archbishop of York. Engaged in the administration of the church and participated in the political landscape of the time. Contributed to educational reforms and founded several institutions including colleges. His influence extended to the royal court, where he acted as an advisor during significant political events.

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