What Happened This Year 1523

People Who Died in 1523

Elisabeth of Hesse-Marburg

German landgravine and founder of a nunnery
Born
1466 559 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1523 502 years ago — 57 years old

Born into the landgraviate of Hesse, played a significant role in religious life during the Protestant Reformation. Founded the convent of Marburg, which became a center for . Spiritual reform became a hallmark of her life. Elisabeth was also involved in various charitable endeavors, providing assistance to the poor and supporting education for women.

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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.

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Franz von Sickingen

German knight and military leader
Born
March 2nd, 1481 544 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1523 501 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1481, a prominent figure of the German knighthood and military strategy. Played a significant role in the early stages of the Reformation. Engaged in various military campaigns, aligning with Protestant princes against the Catholic Church. His support for Martin Luther's reforms marked a pivotal time in German history. In 1522, led a series of military operations against the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. Died in 1523 as a result of injuries sustained during the siege of Landstuhl.

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Ashikaga Yoshitane

Japanese shōgun and ruler
Born
September 9th, 1466 558 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1523 501 years ago — 56 years old

Served as the 7th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate from 1449 to 1455 and again from 1460 to 1467. Helped to consolidate power during the tumultuous Sengoku period and dealt with various factions within the court and among samurai. Faced opposition from rival factions leading to a brief ousting but later regained the position. His leadership occurred during a significant time of civil strife and political fragmentation in Japan.

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Gerard David

Flemish painter of religious works
Born
1460 565 years ago
Died
August 13th, 1523 501 years ago — 63 years old

Active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, this painter specialized in oil painting and was prominent in the Northern Renaissance. The artist is recognized for detailed depictions of religious scenes and portraits. Major works include altarpieces and panel paintings, with a distinctive use of color and attention to naturalism. The artist’s workshop produced many influential works that contributed to the development of this art form in the region known as Flanders.

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Ulrich von Hutten

German religious reformer and writer
Born
April 21st, 1488 536 years ago
Died
August 29th, 1523 501 years ago — 35 years old

Born in 1488, this individual became an influential figure in the German religious reform movement. A critic of the Catholic Church, wrote extensively on issues of faith and authority. Associated with the early Protestant Reformation, he corresponded with Martin Luther and supported the reformist cause. His works emphasized the importance of individual belief and the authority of Scripture over tradition. The dramatic social and political landscape of the era saw this figure advocate for reform through pamphlets and public speeches.

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Pope Adrian VI

Pope and reformer known for spiritual leadership
Born
March 2nd, 1459 566 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1523 501 years ago — 64 years old

Pope Adrian VI served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1522 until his death in 1523. Born in 1459 in the County of Holland, he had a background in academia and became an influential theologian. His papacy occurred during a period of significant turmoil and challenges for the Church, particularly with the rise of Protestantism. Adrian VI sought to address various issues within the Church and aimed to implement reforms. His time in the papacy was marked by calls for a return to a more austere practice of Catholicism and a desire to unify Christendom under Catholic leadership.

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Luca Signorelli

Italian painter, Renaissance masterpieces
Died
October 16th, 1523 501 years ago — None years old

Active during the Italian Renaissance, this painter achieved prominence for his dynamic composition and masterful use of color. His works included religious themes and allegorical subjects, most notably in the mural cycle in the Orvieto Cathedral, which depicts the Last Judgment. These frescoes reveal an intricate understanding of human form and emotion, showcasing his talent in the medium. The painter's influence lasted beyond his lifetime, impacting subsequent generations of artists in Italy and beyond.

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Bogislaw X

Duke of Pomerania, notable for unification
Born
June 3rd, 1454 570 years ago
Died
1523 502 years ago — 69 years old

Duke of Pomerania ruled from 1474 to 1523. His reign was marked by efforts to centralize power and unify the Pomeranian duchies. Significant political maneuvers included alliances with neighboring states and participation in regional conflicts. Under his leadership, the Duchy of Pomerania navigated the complexities of the late medieval period, dealing with issues of succession and territorial disputes. He also upheld cultural and economic development in the region, fostering trade and relationships with merchants. The legacy of his rule continued to influence Pomeranian politics even after his death.

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