What Happened This Year 1547

Historical Events from This Year 1547 (View all 8)

Arts & Culture

First Lithuanian-Language Book Published

January 8th, 1547 478 years ago

The Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas was printed in Königsberg, marking the first Lithuanian-language book. This significant work provided the foundation for Lithuanian literature and culture. Mažvydas aimed to educate and promote the Lutheran faith among the Lithuanian-speaking population. The catechism served both a religious and cultural purpose, as it was essential for the Lithuanian community's literacy and identity during the Reformation.

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Politics & Government

Henry Howard Sentenced to Death for Treason

January 13th, 1547 478 years ago

Henry Howard, the Earl of Surrey, faced execution after being convicted of treason, primarily for the act of quartering his arms to mimic those of King Henry VIII. This was interpreted as a threat to the king's authority and a claim to royal lineage. His trial was surrounded by political intrigue, showcasing the complex nature of courtly relations during this period.

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Politics & Government

Ivan IV Becomes Tsar, Ends Grand Duchy of Moscow

January 16th, 1547 478 years ago

Grand Duke Ivan IV, after a series of preparations and political maneuvers, was crowned as Tsar of Russia at the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. The event marked a significant transformation from the Grand Duchy of Moscow, a ruling entity that had persisted for 264 years, into a new centralized Tsardom. This coronation reflected Ivan's ambitions for a stronger and more unified state, emphasizing his autocratic rule over the lands traditionally held by the Grand Duchy.

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Politics & Government

Edward VI Becomes King of England at Nine

January 28th, 1547 478 years ago

Upon the death of Henry VIII, his son Edward VI ascended to the throne at the tender age of nine. Edward, whose lineage traced back to the Tudor dynasty, was declared king in accordance with his father's last wishes, with the guidance of a council of regents due to his youthful age. The moment marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in England, as Edward’s reign would see significant religious transformation under the influence of key reformers.

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Politics & Government

Edward VI of England is crowned King

February 20th, 1547 478 years ago

Edward VI was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, succeeding his father, Henry VIII. The coronation took place amid lavish ceremonies that highlighted the royal pageantry and the significance of the monarchy in England. At just nine years old, Edward's crowning marked the beginning of a new chapter in Tudor lineage, with expectations for his reign shaped by the political and religious changes initiated by his father. The ceremony not only reinforced Edward's position but also symbolized continuity in the English monarchy following the transformative reign of Henry VIII.

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Military & Warfare

Duke of Alba's Victory at Mühlberg

April 24th, 1547 477 years ago

The Battle of Mühlberg marked a pivotal victory for the Spanish-Imperial forces under Duke of Alba against the Schmalkaldic League. Fought near Mühlberg in Saxony, the battle showcased the might of Charles I of Spain’s forces during the Schmalkaldic War. The Duke's strategic command effectively countered the league's troops, solidifying imperial authority in the German states. This encounter exemplified the conflict over Protestant Reformation and central authority.

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Born in 1547 (View all 17)

Joanna of Austria

Grand Duchess of Tuscany
Born
January 24th, 1547 478 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1573 451 years ago — 26 years old

Born into the Habsburg dynasty, she became Grand Duchess of Tuscany through marriage to Francesco I de' Medici. This union strengthened ties between the Habsburgs and the Medici family during the late Renaissance. Her reign contributed to the political landscape of Italy, emphasizing dynastic alliances. In addition to her political role, she also played a part in the cultural life of Tuscany, promoting art and architecture during her time in power.

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Bahāʾ al-dīn al-ʿĀmilī

Islamic philosopher and educator
Born
February 18th, 1547 478 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1621 403 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1547, this figure contributed significantly to Islamic philosophy and education, establishing the Isfahan School of Islamic Philosophy. The school became a prominent center for philosophical thought in the Islamic world. This philosopher wrote extensively, covering topics from theology to natural sciences, influencing various scholars. The works produced during this period are seen as critical in the development of Islamic philosophy.

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Rudolph Goclenius

German philosopher and lexicographer
Born
March 1st, 1547 478 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1628 396 years ago — 81 years old

Goclenius contributed significantly to philosophy and lexicography during the Renaissance. He published several works, including influential writings in metaphysics and logic. His efforts in compiling and editing dictionaries marked an important step in the development of the German language and lexicon. Goclenius also engaged with scholastic philosophy and was part of the academic discourse of his time, which included discussions on the nature of knowledge and reality. His works laid foundations for later developments in philosophical thought.

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Garzia de' Medici

Grand Duke of Tuscany's son
Born
July 5th, 1547 477 years ago
Died
1562 463 years ago — 15 years old

Born as the son of Cosimo I de' Medici, Garzia de' Medici held a prominent position in the Medici dynasty. His life was marked by his noble lineage and family connections within the Italian aristocracy. Although Garzia did not ascend to a reigning power, he played a role in the ongoing affairs of the Tuscany region during the late Renaissance. His death at a young age cut short any potential political or military contributions he might have made in the future.

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Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Dutch politician and statesman
Born
September 14th, 1547 477 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1619 405 years ago — 71 years old

A leading figure in the early Dutch Republic, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Dutch state during the Eighty Years' War. Served as the Advocate of Holland from 1586 until 1619, overseeing significant political and military developments. Was instrumental in forming alliances and negotiating peace, influencing the political landscape of the era. His conflict with Maurits of Nassau, leading military commander, culminated in a power struggle that significantly affected the Dutch Republic's governance.

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Philipp Nicodemus Frischlin

German philologist and mathematician
Born
September 22nd, 1547 477 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1590 434 years ago — 43 years old

Born in 1547, a German philologist, mathematician, astronomer, and poet. Contributed significantly to the field of philology, focusing on classical languages and literature. Also engaged in mathematical studies, producing works that merged poetry with mathematical concepts. Worked on astronomical observations, further enhancing the understanding of celestial bodies during the Renaissance period. He held positions in various educational institutions where he combined teaching with scholarly pursuits.

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People Who Died in 1547 (View all 18)

Johannes Schöner

German astronomer and cartographer
Born
January 16th, 1477 548 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1547 478 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and cartography during the Renaissance. Designed celestial globes that illustrated the movements of celestial bodies. Produced maps that reflected the geographical knowledge of the time, including the first map of the Americas. Collaborated with other scholars and continued the work of earlier astronomers in refining astrological techniques. Schöner's work laid groundwork for future advancements in navigation and geography.

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Pietro Bembo

Italian cardinal and humanist scholar
Born
May 20th, 1470 554 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1547 478 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and contributed significantly to the fields of poetry and literary theory during the Renaissance. His works expressed a deep appreciation for classical literature and language. Bembo's most notable work, 'Prose della volgar lingua,' influenced the development of the Italian language and established the Tuscan dialect as the standard for Italian literature. He was also involved in the promotion of the works of prominent authors and played a key role in the revival of Latin and Greek literature in Europe.

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Henry VIII

King of England and the church reformer
Born
1491 534 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1547 478 years ago — 56 years old

Ruled as King of England from 1509 until death in 1547. Instrumental in the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. Oversaw the establishment of the English Reformation, precipitated by disputes with the Pope regarding annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Known for six marriages, particularly the union with Anne Boleyn, which led to significant religious upheaval. His reign was marked by the strengthening of royal power and the dissolution of monasteries across England.

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Vittoria Colonna

Italian poet and marchioness of Pescara
Born
1490 535 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1547 478 years ago — 57 years old

Born into the noble Colonna family, she became a prominent poet during the Renaissance. Her poetry often reflected her personal experiences and spirituality. She maintained strong ties with influential figures such as Michelangelo, who admired her literary work. Colonna's writings celebrated love and loss, showcasing her depth of emotion and intellect. Throughout her life, she engaged in various cultural and intellectual circles, contributing to the rich tapestry of Renaissance literature until her death in 1547.

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Francis I

French King and Patron of the Arts
Born
September 2nd, 1516 508 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1547 477 years ago — 30 years old

Served as the King of France from 1515 until 1547. Oversaw the Renaissance development in France, fostering the arts, architecture, and education. Engaged in significant military campaigns against Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Strengthened central authority and promoted humanist ideals in French culture. Initiated relationships with other European powers, expanding France's influence.

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Sebastiano del Piombo

Italian painter known for portraiture
Born
1485 540 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1547 477 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent Italian painter and educator of the Renaissance, he worked in the Venetian and Roman traditions. His artistic career was marked by the blending of color and light, influencing subsequent generations. His notable works include religious and portrait paintings, showcasing a mastery of composition and human anatomy. He collaborated with leading artists of the time and contributed to the development of portraiture. The integration of tonal painting with the Venetian style was a defining feature of his work.

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