What Happened This Year 1501

Historical Events from This Year 1501

Exploration & Discovery

Amerigo Vespucci Sails Under Portuguese Flag

May 13th, 1501 523 years ago

Amerigo Vespucci, a skilled navigator and explorer, embarked on his expedition under the Portuguese crown to explore the western lands, which were largely uncharted at the time. This voyage aimed to further the knowledge about the newly discovered territories in the Americas, as European powers sought to expand their influence and territories. Departing from Lisbon, Vespucci's journey was part of Portugal's significant investment in exploration during the Age of Discovery, driven by the quest for new trade routes and lands. His observations and findings during this expedition contributed greatly to the understanding of the geography of the New World.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Catherine of Aragon Meets Arthur Tudor

November 4th, 1501 523 years ago

Catherine of Aragon met Arthur Tudor in 1501 as part of a marriage arrangement solidifying an alliance between England and Spain. This meeting took place in Wales, where Catherine was presented to Arthur, who was the Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne. Their union was intended to strengthen ties between their royal families and promote peace in Europe following the Wars of the Roses. The couple soon became engaged, paving the way for their marriage.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

The Emergence of Naval Line of Battle

December 31st, 1501 523 years ago

The First Battle of Cannanore marked a significant naval conflict in which the Portuguese fleet, under the command of Francisco de Almeida, employed the naval line of battle for the first time. This tactic involved arranging ships in a single line to maximize firepower and tactical advantage against the opposing forces, primarily the Muslim rulers of the region. The battle was fought off the coast of Cannanore, present-day India, establishing the Portuguese as a dominant maritime power in the Indian Ocean. The innovative naval strategy would influence naval warfare in Europe and beyond for centuries.

Continue Reading

Born in 1501 (View all 12)

Anthony Denny

English politician and courtier
Born
January 16th, 1501 524 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1549 475 years ago — 48 years old

Served as a prominent courtier and Member of Parliament during the reign of King Henry VIII. Held the position of Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber and was involved in key decisions related to state affairs. Played a significant role in the dissolution of the monasteries and managed royal household matters. Involved in political intrigues typical of the Tudor court, Denny navigated various power struggles and the shifting loyalties of the time.

Continue Reading

Leonhart Fuchs

Physician and botanist; De Historia Stirpium
Born
January 17th, 1501 524 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1566 458 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1501, this individual contributed significantly to botany and medicine during the Renaissance. He studied at the University of Tübingen and later became a professor of medicine at the University of Würzburg. The publication 'De Historia Stirpium' detailed plant species and their medicinal uses, showcasing meticulous illustrations that set a high standard in botanical literature. This work influenced both the study of plants and their applications in medicine, laying foundational knowledge for future botanists and physicians.

Continue Reading

Anne Brooke

Baroness Cobham, English noble
Born
March 21st, 1501 523 years ago
Died
1558 467 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1501, served as Baroness Cobham, a title held in the Peerage of England. The role included significant involvement in the political landscape of the Tudor period. A prominent figure in the court of Henry VIII, contributed to noble advancements and alliances through marriage and patronage.

Continue Reading

Marcellus II

Pope during the Counter-Reformation
Born
May 6th, 1501 523 years ago
Died
1555 470 years ago — 54 years old

Became pope in 1555, leading the Catholic Church during a period of significant religious tension known as the Counter-Reformation. Implemented various reforms in Church practices, emphasizing the importance of clerical discipline and the education of priests. His papacy was notably short, lasting only 22 days before his death, which limited the ability to fully execute his vision for the Church. Despite the brevity of his tenure, contributions to the Catholic Reformation emerged during his administration.

Continue Reading

Isabella of Austria

Danish queen
Born
July 18th, 1501 523 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1526 499 years ago — 24 years old

Born in 1501, she served as the queen consort of Denmark and Norway through her marriage to Christian II. Her marriage was politically strategic, solidifying alliances of the Danish crown. Following the death of her husband in 1523, she played a role in the political struggles of her time, particularly during the tumultuous periods in Denmark. She died in 1526 under circumstances that remain part of historical discourse.

Continue Reading

Henry Stafford

English nobleman and 1st Earl of Wiltshire
Born
September 18th, 1501 523 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1523 501 years ago — 21 years old

Served as a prominent English nobleman during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Created 1st Earl of Wiltshire in 1483, he held significant influence at the court of King Henry VII. Engaged in various administrative and military roles, contributing to the governance of England. Inherited and expanded family estates, maintaining power through strategic marriages and alliances. His legacy continued through descendants who remained active in English nobility.

Continue Reading

People Who Died in 1501 (View all 9)

Ali-Shir Nava'i

Turkic poet and linguist
Born
February 9th, 1441 584 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1501 524 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent Turkic poet, linguist, and mystic, contributed significantly to the development of Turkic literature and language during the Timurid era. Authored numerous literary works, which enriched the cultural landscape of the time. Served as a minister in the Timurid court and was a key figure in promoting the use of the Chagatai language, advocating for its literary value. Engaged in various forms of art, including poetry and prose, while also being recognized for his contributions to calligraphy and socio-political thought.

Continue Reading

John Dynham

English baron and Lord High Treasurer
Born
1433 592 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1501 524 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 1st Baron Dynham and held the position of Lord High Treasurer of England. Played a significant role in the administration during the late 15th century under King Edward IV and King Richard III. Actively participated in military campaigns, including those during the Wars of the Roses, supporting the House of York. Engaged in various diplomatic missions and was a prominent figure in the English court.

Continue Reading

Sigismund of Bavaria

Holy Roman Emperor, Council of Constance
Born
1439 586 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1501 524 years ago — 62 years old

Held the title of Holy Roman Emperor from 1433 until death in 1437. Maintained significant influence over European politics during the late Middle Ages. Presided over the Council of Constance from 1414 to 1418, addressing issues of church reform and heresy, including the resolution of the Western Schism. Served as King of Hungary and Croatia, fostering alliances and territorial claims in Central Europe.

Continue Reading

Domenico della Rovere

Catholic cardinal and church leader
Born
1442 583 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1501 523 years ago — 59 years old

A Catholic cardinal recognized for significant contributions to the church during the late 15th century. Appointed as a cardinal by Pope Sixtus IV, held various important ecclesiastical offices, including serving as the Archbishop of Terni. Played a key role in the politics of the papacy and was actively involved in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church. Commissioned notable architecture and art during the Renaissance period, promoting cultural advancements.

Continue Reading

Columba of Rieti

Italian Dominican sister and mystic
Born
February 2nd, 1467 558 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1501 523 years ago — 34 years old

Born in Italy in 1467, a Dominican sister focused on a spiritual life marked by mysticism and religious devotion. Primarily associated with the convent of Santa Maria in Rieti, played a significant role in the spiritual lives of her community and visitors. Engaged in contemplative prayer and served as a spiritual advisor, guiding others in their faith. Died in 1501, leaving behind a legacy of religious commitment.

Continue Reading

John I Albert

King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania
Born
December 27th, 1459 565 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1501 523 years ago — 41 years old

Born in 1459, this monarch ruled Poland and held the title of Grand Duke of Lithuania. Reigning from 1492 until 1501, significant efforts included the pursuit of unification between Poland and Lithuania. The reign was marked by military conflicts such as the war against the Teutonic Order. This monarch's strategies in diplomacy and military engagements shaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. Following the king's death, a succession crisis ensued, impacting the Polish-Lithuanian union significantly.

Continue Reading