What Happened This Year 1516

Historical Events from This Year 1516

Cultural Traditions

Munich Reinheitsgebot Standardizes Beer Ingredients

April 23rd, 1516 508 years ago

In Bavaria, the Reinheitsgebot sets strict standards for beer brewing, mandating barley, hops, and water as the only ingredients. This regulation aimed to ensure quality and maintain beer's purity. It was enacted in the city of Munich, reflecting the brewing traditions and the importance of beer in Bavarian culture.

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Politics & Government

Murder of Emperor Lê Tương Dực by Guards

May 8th, 1516 508 years ago

Trịnh Duy Sản led a coup against Emperor Lê Tương Dực, resulting in the emperor's murder and subsequent abandonment of the capital Thăng Long. The imperial guards fled, leaving the city vulnerable to external threats and internal chaos. This act of betrayal disrupted the existing power structure in the region and initiated significant political turmoil.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Noyon Settles French-Spanish Claims

August 13th, 1516 508 years ago

The Treaty of Noyon formalized an agreement between Francis I of France and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Francis I recognized Charles's claims to Naples, while Charles reciprocated by acknowledging Francis's claims to Milan. This diplomatic resolution aimed to prevent further hostilities and stabilize the relations between the two powerful European states. The treaty was signed in the town of Noyon, France, marking a significant step in territorial negotiations during a period marked by rivalry and conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Selim I's Victory Over the Mamluks

August 24th, 1516 508 years ago

Selim I led the Ottoman Empire to victory against the Mamluk Sultanate at the Battle of Marj Dabiq. This significant confrontation occurred in Syria and marked a critical moment in the Ottoman expansion into the Mamluks’ territory. The decisive battle showcased Selim I's military strategy and strength, as he effectively used artillery and formed alliances to bolster his forces, ensuring a watershed moment in the region’s power dynamics.

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Military & Warfare

Mamluks Fail to Halt Ottoman Expansion

October 28th, 1516 508 years ago

At the Battle of Yaunis Khan, the Mamluks were decisively defeated by the Ottomans, marking a crucial point in the Second Ottoman–Mamluk War. The battle occurred near Cairo, where Sultan Selim I led his forces against the Mamluk Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri. This defeat not only weakened Mamluk power in the region but also opened the pathway for the Ottomans to advance towards Egypt, which would ultimately fall under Ottoman control.

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Born in 1516 (View all 14)

Bayinnaung

King of Burma; expanded the kingdom
Born
January 16th, 1516 509 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1581 443 years ago — 65 years old

Ruled as king of Burma from 1551 to 1581. Expanded the kingdom's territory significantly, incorporating regions of present-day Thailand, Laos, and parts of India. Established a strong centralized administration and was involved in numerous military campaigns to consolidate power. Oversaw economic prosperity during the reign and improved trade routes across Southeast Asia.

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Mary I of England

Queen of England and Ireland
Born
February 18th, 1516 509 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1558 466 years ago — 42 years old

Reigned as Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 until 1558. Mary was the first woman to rule England in her own right. The daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, she attempted to restore Roman Catholicism in England after the Protestant Reformation initiated by her father. Her reign was marked by the persecution of Protestants, now referred to as the Marian Persecutions. Mary married Philip II of Spain, which was controversial and led to anti-Spanish sentiment during her rule. The queen's reign concluded with her death in 1558, which led to the accession of her half-sister, Elizabeth I.

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Alqas Mirza

Safavid prince and military leader
Born
March 15th, 1516 509 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1550 474 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1516, a prince of the Safavid dynasty, played a significant role in the early years of the dynasty, particularly during the reign of Shah Ismail I. Involved in military campaigns aimed at consolidating power and expanding territory. Held the title of governor of various provinces, overseeing administration and military operations. Also participated in battles against rival factions and foreign threats, contributing to the establishment of Safavid rule in Persia.

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Conrad Gessner

Swiss botanist and zoologist
Born
March 26th, 1516 508 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1565 459 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent figure in natural history, this individual made significant contributions to botany and zoology during the 16th century. He published influential works including 'Historiae Animalium', which cataloged various animal species. His 'Pinax Theatri Botanici' served as an early botanical reference guide. This individual laid the groundwork for systematic biology and was among the first to adopt a scientific approach to the study of the natural world.

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Tabinshwehti

Burmese king and military leader
Born
April 16th, 1516 508 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1550 474 years ago — 34 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1531, established the Taungoo dynasty. Initiated numerous military campaigns to unify Burma, including successful conquests over Ava and Prome. Implemented administrative reforms that strengthened the central government and improved trade. His reign marked a significant period of expansion and consolidation in the territory that would become modern-day Myanmar.

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Georg Fabricius

German poet and historian
Born
April 23rd, 1516 508 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1571 453 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1516, this individual made significant contributions to the fields of poetry, history, and archaeology in Germany. A prominent figure of the Renaissance, engaged in promoting classical education and literature. Produced notable works that captured the essence of the period. His poetry often reflected themes inspired by ancient Greek and Roman writers. Additionally, he conducted extensive research in archaeology, laying groundwork for future studies in the field.

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People Who Died in 1516 (View all 8)

Ferdinand II of Aragon

King of Aragon, united Spain
Born
1452 573 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1516 509 years ago — 64 years old

Ruled as King of Aragon from 1479 until death in 1516. Played a significant role in the unification of Spain through the marriage to Isabella I of Castile in 1469. This union laid the groundwork for the establishment of a unified Spanish monarchy. Sponsored Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, which led to the discovery of the Americas. Engaged in the Reconquista, culminating in the conquest of Granada in 1492, ending Muslim rule in Spain. His reign marked the beginning of Spain's emergence as a global power, influencing exploration and colonization efforts.

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Giuliano de' Medici

Italian nobleman and Renaissance patron
Born
October 25th, 1453 571 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1516 508 years ago — 62 years old

An Italian nobleman and member of the prominent Medici family, played a significant role in the politics and culture of Renaissance Florence. As a patron of the arts, he supported renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli. His involvement in Florentine politics included serving as the Duke of Nemours. Giuliano's life was marked by the power struggles of the Medici family, and he was assassinated in a plot known as the Pazzi Conspiracy, which aimed to eliminate Medici influence in Florence.

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John Yonge

English diplomat and civic leader
Born
1467 558 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1516 508 years ago — 49 years old

Served as an influential diplomat in England during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Acted as the mayor of London multiple times, significantly influencing city governance. Involved in various diplomatic missions to the continent, notably to France and the Low Countries, enhancing trade agreements. Contributed to the political stability of London through civic leadership and diplomacy.

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John III of Navarre

King of Navarre and Duke of Beaumont
Born
1469 556 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1516 508 years ago — 47 years old

Ruled as King of Navarre from 1512 until death in 1516. Assumed the title of Duke of Beaumont in 1510. Faced significant challenges during the period of the Spanish conquest of Navarre, which culminated in losing territory to Spain. His reign was marked by efforts to maintain autonomy and power amidst external pressures.

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Hieronymus Bosch

Early Netherlandish painter, Garden of Earthly Delights
Died
August 9th, 1516 508 years ago — None years old

An early Netherlandish painter active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries created complex and visionary works that explore themes of morality, sin, and redemption. The allegorical triptych 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' stands as a hallmark of his oeuvre, showcasing fantastical imagery and intricate details. Other notable works include 'The Haywain Triptych' and 'The Last Judgment', which also display the artist's unique style characterized by imaginative and sometimes surreal subjects. Bosch's paintings were influential in the development of Northern Renaissance art, providing a rich commentary on human nature and society during his time.

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Johannes Trithemius

German lexicographer and cryptographer
Born
February 1st, 1462 563 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1516 508 years ago — 54 years old

A significant figure in the fields of lexicography and cryptography. Published 'Steganographia' which discussed techniques of secret writing. His works laid foundational principles for later cryptographic methods and practices. Contributed to historical studies with a focus on monastic life. Served as the abbot of the monastery at Sponheim, influencing scholarly activities throughout the region.

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