What Happened This Year 1558

People Who Died in 1558

Mary of Hungary

Dutch ruler and regent of the Netherlands
Born
September 15th, 1505 519 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1558 466 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1505, she served as the regent of the Habsburg Netherlands. From 1531 to 1555, she governed on behalf of her brother, Emperor Charles V. Her reign saw efforts to consolidate Habsburg influence in the region. She took charge of administrative functions and managed the complexities of the Netherlands during a period of significant political change. Mary's leadership contributed to the stability of the territory during her tenure. The role provided a platform for her to engage in the politics of the Habsburg dynasty, navigating alliances and conflicts.

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Julius Caesar Scaliger

Italian physician and scholar
Born
April 23rd, 1484 540 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1558 466 years ago — 74 years old

Significant contributions were made to philosophy and poetry, particularly in the fields of astrology and natural science. Authored the influential work 'Exotericarum, et de Universo Libri Duo', which discussed astrological principles and their relation to the cosmos. Proposed new methods for textual criticism and emphasized the importance of understanding literary history. Held educational roles that impacted subsequent generations of scholars.

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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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Reginald Pole

English cardinal and influential scholar
Born
1500 525 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1558 466 years ago — 58 years old

An English cardinal and academic, played a significant role in the religious and political landscape of the 16th century. Educated at Oxford and later at the University of Padua, became a leading figure in the Catholic Church during the English Reformation. Served as a papal legate and was a key opponent of Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church. Was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury but did not have the opportunity to fulfill this role. Broke with the established church to promote Catholic teachings throughout England, contributing to the counter-Reformation efforts in Europe. Authored several works on theology and philosophy, which influenced contemporary religious thought.

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Thomas Cheney

English diplomat and Lord Warden
Died
December 16th, 1558 466 years ago — None years old

Served as a prominent diplomat during the Tudor period in England. Achieved the position of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, overseeing naval operations and trade in Southern England. Engaged in significant diplomatic relations with European powers. Contributed to the defense strategies of England during a time of political unrest and maritime threats. Participated in the governance of crucial port towns, enhancing their economic and military importance.

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Cornelius Grapheus

Flemish writer and theologian
Born
1482 543 years ago
Died
December 19th, 1558 466 years ago — 76 years old

A Flemish writer and theologian contributed to the development of humanist literature in the 16th century. Grapheus served as a teacher and penned numerous works on ethics, philosophy, and religion. His writings reflected the intellectual currents of the Renaissance and promoted a blend of classical learning and Christian faith. Grapheus notably engaged with the theological debates of his time, impacting educational practices in the region.

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Eleanor of Austria

Queen of Portugal and France
Born
November 15th, 1498 526 years ago
Died
1558 467 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1498, Eleanor of Austria served as Queen of Portugal and Queen Consort of France. Marriage to King Manuel I of Portugal and later to King Francis I of France established her as a significant figure in European royal politics. A daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, her unions played a role in strengthening alliances between powerful kingdoms during a tumultuous period in history.

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Anne Brooke

Baroness Cobham, English noble
Born
March 21st, 1501 523 years ago
Died
1558 467 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1501, served as Baroness Cobham, a title held in the Peerage of England. The role included significant involvement in the political landscape of the Tudor period. A prominent figure in the court of Henry VIII, contributed to noble advancements and alliances through marriage and patronage.

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Justus Menius

German Lutheran pastor and reformer
Born
December 13th, 1499 525 years ago
Died
1558 467 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, this individual served as a Lutheran pastor in Germany. Contributed significantly to the spread of Lutheran teachings and the establishment of church practices. His writings included treatises that defended the Reformation and addressed theological disputes. Collaborated closely with Martin Luther and other reformers, helping to shape the early Lutheran Church. Played a major role in the establishment of Lutheran liturgy and education in the region. Additionally, presided over ecclesiastical matters in the city of Gotha, influencing the development of the Reformed church.

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