What Happened This Year 1556

Born in 1556

Sethus Calvisius

Astronomer and composer of Sacred Music
Born
February 21st, 1556 469 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1615 409 years ago — 59 years old

Born in 1556, work focused on astronomy and music theory. Developed a method for calculating the positions of celestial bodies. Served as a professor at the University of Wittenberg and contributed to the development of astronomical instruments. Recognized for the composition of sacred music, particularly in the Lutheran tradition. Published several theoretical works that gained attention in both musical and astronomical circles.

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Guillaume du Vair

French lawyer and legal author
Born
March 7th, 1556 469 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1621 403 years ago — 65 years old

Born in France in 1556, contributed significantly to legal literature and jurisprudence during the early modern period. Worked as a lawyer, emphasizing the importance of legal reasoning and humanism. Served in various judicial capacities, culminating in the role of procurator general in the Parliament of Paris. Authored several influential works discussing law and governance, integrating classical philosophy with legal concepts. Du Vair's writings were instrumental in shaping legal thought in France, bridging the gap between medieval concepts of law and the emerging modern legal frameworks.

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Jerzy Radziwiłł

Catholic cardinal and political figure
Born
May 31st, 1556 468 years ago
Died
1600 425 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1556, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Held the position of cardinal and played a significant role in the ecclesiastical and political landscape of the time. Involved in various religious and political matters, influencing the administration and policies within the Church and the state. Participated in the synods and church councils, contributing to the Counter-Reformation efforts.

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Alexander Briant

English martyr and saint
Born
August 17th, 1556 468 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1581 443 years ago — 25 years old

Born in 1556, this individual became a significant figure in the English Catholic martyrdom during the Reformation. Educated at the University of Oxford, he joined the Jesuit order and was ordained as a priest. He returned to England as a missionary, promoting Catholic beliefs during a time of intense Protestant rule. Arrested for treason in 1581, he was executed for his faith, recognized for his commitment to Catholicism and his opposition to the Protestant establishment. His actions and ultimate sacrifice led to his canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church.

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Sophia Brahe

Danish horticulturalist and astronomer
Born
August 24th, 1556 468 years ago
Died
1643 382 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1556, contributed significantly to astronomy and horticulture. Collaborated with brother Tycho Brahe at Uraniborg, a pioneering astronomical observatory. Conducted extensive observations of celestial bodies and wrote about horticultural practices. Her studies in botany led to advanced cultivation techniques, which were influential in her time.

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Jacques Davy Duperron

French cardinal and theologian
Born
November 15th, 1556 468 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1618 406 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1556, this individual became a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the 17th century. He served as a cardinal and played a key role in various religious and political matters. His contributions included participation in the Council of Trent and involvement in the French Wars of Religion. As bishop of Évreux, he exhibited significant influence within the church hierarchy.

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Anne Cecil

Countess of Oxford, English noble
Born
December 5th, 1556 468 years ago
Died
1588 437 years ago — 32 years old

Born in 1556, this individual became the Countess of Oxford through marriage to Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. The family played a significant role in the English court and politics during the Elizabethan era. This individual was closely associated with the cultural and political developments of the time, and her marriage linked her to one of the prominent noble families. The countess was involved in the management of the family's estates and influence in courtly affairs. Upon her husband's death, she assumed responsibility for their children and continued to maintain the family's legacy and lands. Her life reflected the complexities of noble status and women's roles in the 16th century.

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Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana

Mughal poet and courtier, author of poetry
Born
December 17th, 1556 468 years ago
Died
1627 398 years ago — 71 years old

Born in the Mughal Empire, a prominent poet and courtier served under Emperor Akbar. Established a reputation for composing poetry in Hindi and Persian. Contributed to literature through the creation of couplets (dohe) that conveyed moral lessons and reflections on life. Held various positions in the imperial administration and was instrumental in promoting cultural exchange.

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Edward la Zouche

English diplomat and 11th Baron Zouche
Born
1556 469 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1625 399 years ago — 69 years old

Served as a diplomat during the early 17th century. Held the title of 11th Baron Zouche. Participated in negotiations and diplomatic missions that shaped relations during his lifetime, particularly between England and other European powers. Engaged in courtly matters and political affairs typical of the English nobility of that era. His work contributed to the understanding of diplomatic relations in a period of transition in England's foreign policies.

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