What Happened This Year 1537

People Who Died in 1537

Alessandro de' Medici

Duke of Florence, leader of the Medici
Born
1510 515 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1537 488 years ago — 27 years old

Alessandro de' Medici served as the Duke of Florence from 1532 until his assassination in 1537. He was the first Duke of Florence, installed by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. His rule aimed to consolidate the power of the Medici family and maintain control over Florence amid political turmoil. Born in the Medici palace, Alessandro was the illegitimate son of Lorenzo de' Medici. His reign was characterized by attempts to influence the nobility and manage the city’s governance. However, dissatisfaction grew among the Florentine population regarding his leadership style and the perceived foreign influence represented by his connection to Charles V. This discontent ultimately led to his murder by his cousin, Lorenzo de' Medici, marking a significant turning point in Florentine politics.

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Thomas FitzGerald

10th Earl of Kildare, Irish noble
Born
1513 512 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1537 488 years ago — 24 years old

Served as the 10th Earl of Kildare and maintained significant influence in Ireland during the Tudor period. Held the position of Lord Deputy of Ireland on multiple occasions, overseeing governance during a turbulent time marked by conflicts between English and Irish interests. Engaged in political maneuvers to secure power and control over Irish lands. His tenure saw notable interactions with the English crown, navigating complex loyalty issues. Ultimately, captured and executed in 1537, marking a pivotal moment in Irish history.

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Saint Gerolamo Emiliani

Italian humanitarian and founder of hospitals
Born
1481 544 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1537 488 years ago — 56 years old

Founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Poor, establishing many orphanages and hospitals in Italy. Focused on providing care and support for abandoned children and the impoverished, promoting education and spiritual guidance. His work laid the foundation for modern charitable organizations in Italy, emphasizing the importance of servitude to the less fortunate. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1767, recognized for his dedication to social welfare and community service.

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Pedro de Mendoza

Spanish conquistador and founder of Buenos Aires
Born
1487 538 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1537 487 years ago — 50 years old

Contributed significantly to the Spanish colonization of the Americas as a conquistador. Led the first successful expedition to establish a permanent European settlement in present-day Argentina, founding Buenos Aires in 1536. Faced challenges from indigenous peoples and supply shortages, which ultimately led to the abandonment of the settlement. Part of the expedition to Peru and served as a military leader in various capacities. His leadership and actions had lasting implications for Spanish expansion in South America.

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Pavle Bakić

Last Serb Despot and medieval monarch
Died
September 20th, 1537 487 years ago — None years old

Served as the last despot of Serbia during the transitional period of the medieval Serbian state. Ruled from 1521 until the fall of the Despotate to the Ottoman Empire. Facilitated the administration and military efforts against the advancing Ottomans. His reign saw efforts to preserve Serbian culture and governance amidst external pressures and regional conflicts.

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Madeleine of Valois

French Queen Consort of Scotland
Born
August 10th, 1520 504 years ago
Died
1537 488 years ago — 17 years old

Born in 1520, she became Queen Consort of Scotland through marriage to King James V. The union took place in 1537, and she served as queen until her death in 1540. Her brief reign saw her in a supportive role in the Scottish court. She had a significant connection to the Scottish crown and was part of the Valois dynasty, which played a crucial role in the politics of France and Scotland during the 16th century. Despite her short life, her marriage helped strengthen ties between France and Scotland.

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Charles, Duke of Vendôme

French Noble and Military Leader
Born
June 2nd, 1489 535 years ago
Died
1537 488 years ago — 48 years old

Born in 1489, held the title of Duke of Vendôme. Played a significant role in the military conflicts during the Italian Wars. Served as a commander for the French forces, leading campaigns against various European powers. Became a prominent figure in the French nobility and was involved in the politics of his time, particularly during the reign of King Francis I. His lineage continued to influence French aristocracy in subsequent generations.

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Thomas Murner

German poet and translator, known for pamphlets
Born
December 24th, 1475 549 years ago
Died
1537 488 years ago — 62 years old

This individual was a German poet and translator, active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Contributions included a range of literary works, which often critiqued societal norms and religious practices of the time. Murner became associated with the humanist movement and utilized his poetry to advocate for reform within the Church. His translations made classical literature accessible to a wider audience. Notable works included satirical pieces that reflected the struggles of his contemporaries. This individual's literary style combined humor with sharp social commentary, resonating with readers and influencing future generations of writers.

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Nikolaus von Schönberg

Catholic Cardinal and diplomat
Born
August 11th, 1472 552 years ago
Died
1537 488 years ago — 65 years old

Ordained as a priest, served as the Bishop of Seckau and then as the Cardinal of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Acted as a diplomat for the Papal States, significantly in dealings with the Holy Roman Emperor. Played a considerable role in the political and religious matters of his time, engaging with various European powers.

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