What Happened This Year 1560

Historical Events from This Year 1560

Politics & Government

Treaty of Berwick Signed for Scottish Support

February 27th, 1560 465 years ago

The Treaty of Berwick was signed, establishing terms between England and the Lords of the Congregation of Scotland. This treaty allowed English forces into Scotland to assist in expelling French troops occupying the country. The agreement was significant in shaping the power dynamics within Scotland and marked a crucial moment in Anglo-Scottish relations. The English sought to limit French influence in Scotland while supporting Protestant factions in the country.

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Politics & Government

Scotland and England Forge Peace Treaty

July 6th, 1560 464 years ago

The Treaty of Edinburgh was a significant agreement reached between Scotland and England, aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a peaceful relationship between the two nations. Negotiated during a time of political turmoil, the treaty sought to define the future governance of Scotland following the death of King James V. It primarily addressed the presence of French troops in Scotland, stipulating their withdrawal. The treaty was signed in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, marking a pivotal moment in Anglo-Scottish relations.

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Religion & Philosophy

Protestantism Established in Scotland

August 17th, 1560 464 years ago

The overthrow of the Catholic Church led to Protestantism's establishment as Scotland's state religion. Influenced by John Knox and the reformist movement, Scottish nobles rejected papal authority. The event marked the culmination of a series of religious disputes, tasked with the challenge of governing the newly reformed church, shaping Scotland's religious landscape for centuries to follow.

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Politics & Government

Charles IX Becomes King of France

December 5th, 1560 464 years ago

Thirteen-year-old Charles IX was proclaimed king of France following the death of his father, King Henry II. His mother, Queen Catherine de' Medici, assumed the role of regent. The new king's age raised concerns about governance and stability, prompting Catherine to navigate the realm of politics in a turbulent time marked by religious strife and noble factionalism. She aimed to consolidate power and maintain order within a fractured kingdom, representing both the interests of the crown and the challenges posed by the Huguenot-Catholic conflicts brewing in France.

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Born in 1560 (View all 15)

Gaspard Bauhin

Swiss botanist and author of Pinax.
Born
January 17th, 1560 465 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1624 400 years ago — 64 years old

Significant contributions to botanical nomenclature and classification took place, establishing the basis for modern taxonomy. Published "Pinax Theatri Botanici," which listed more than 6,000 plants and proposed a systematic way to classify them. Acted as a professor of medicine at the University of Basel, where studies in botany and medicinal plants flourished. Developed extensive illustrations and descriptions of plants, influencing later naturalists and botanists.

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Wilhelm Fabry

German surgeon and medical author
Born
June 25th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
1634 391 years ago — 74 years old

Contributions to surgery in the early modern period established foundational principles for the field. Focused on surgical techniques and the treatment of wounds, authored significant medical texts that outlined procedures and provided insights into anatomy. Developed strategies for managing injuries and adopted a systematic approach to surgery. The influence of work persisted in the medical curriculum and practice in subsequent centuries.

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Giovanni Paolo Lascaris

Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller
Born
June 28th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
1657 368 years ago — 97 years old

Held the position of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller from 1581 until death in 1605. Focused on the defense of Christian territories against Ottoman expansion. Oversaw the construction of fortifications and the administration of the Order's territories, particularly in Malta. Actively involved in the planning and execution of naval operations against Ottoman forces.

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Elizabeth Báthory

Hungarian aristocrat and serial killer
Born
August 7th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1614 410 years ago — 54 years old

Born into a prominent family, became Countess and ruled over her estates in Hungary. Throughout the late 16th and early 17th centuries, she was accused of torturing and murdering numerous young women. Reports claimed her actions were driven by a belief that bathing in their blood would enhance her beauty and preserve youth. Arrested in 1610, trials were conducted, yet she was never formally tried for the crimes. Instead, was placed under house arrest in her castle until her death in 1614.

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Thomas Cavendish

English naval explorer, circumnavigator
Born
September 19th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
1592 433 years ago — 32 years old

An English naval explorer led an expedition that became the third voyage to circumnavigate the globe. The expedition set sail in 1586 and returned in 1588, completing the journey in two years. The voyage was initially financed through private means, and the route taken passed through the Strait of Magellan. The journey contributed to the knowledge of global navigation and the mapping of uncharted territories. Cavendish's leadership and maritime skills were critical to overcoming the challenges encountered during the voyage.

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Jacobus Arminius

Dutch theologian and Reformed critic
Born
October 10th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
October 19th, 1609 415 years ago — 49 years old

A Dutch theologian, Arminius played a significant role in the development of Protestant thought. He studied theology at the University of Leyden and later became a professor there. His theological views challenged the prevailing Calvinist doctrine, particularly on predestination and free will, leading to the formulation of Arminianism. His ideas sparked significant debates within the Reformed Church, ultimately resulting in the Synod of Dort, which opposed his teachings. Arminius's work laid the foundation for later developments in Protestant theology.

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People Who Died in 1560 (View all 12)

Joachim du Bellay

French poet and literary critic
Born
1522 503 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1560 465 years ago — 38 years old

Contributed significantly to the French Renaissance through poetry and literary criticism. Promoted the French language as a vehicle for poetic expression. His most notable work, 'Les Regrets,' reflects personal and national identity, along with a longing for his native land while in Rome. Advocated for the use of vernacular language in literature over Latin. Engaged in discussions around the value of the French poetic tradition.

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Bartolommeo Bandinelli

Florentine sculptor, Hercules and Cacus
Born
October 17th, 1493 531 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1560 465 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent Florentine sculptor, active during the Renaissance, created significant works that exemplify the artistic ideals of the period. His mastery of marble sculpture led to the completion of notable pieces such as Hercules and Cacus, which demonstrates a dynamic representation of movement and form. Bandinelli also worked on a number of other projects, contributing to various public and private commissions in Florence. He was involved in the artistic community of his time, engaging with fellow artists and patrons, shaping the landscape of Renaissance art through his skill and craftsmanship.

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Jean du Bellay

French cardinal and diplomat
Born
1493 532 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1560 465 years ago — 67 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and held significant diplomatic positions throughout a career focused on the relations between France and the Papacy. Acted as one of the leading figures in negotiating treaties, notably during the Italian Wars, which impacted France's political landscape. Played a crucial role in several important diplomatic missions and was instrumental in the church's response to the Protestant Reformation.

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Philip Melanchthon

German theologian and academic reformer
Born
February 16th, 1497 528 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1560 464 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent theologian and key figure of the Protestant Reformation, contributed significantly to the development of Lutheran doctrine. Served as a professor in Wittenberg, where his teachings shaped many aspects of Protestant belief and church practices. Authored numerous works, including the 'Loci Communes,' which systematized theological principles. Played a crucial role in the formulation of the Augsburg Confession, a central document of Lutheranism presented in 1530. Engaged with major theological disputes and sought to promote unity among Protestant factions.

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Mary of Guise

Queen of Scots and regent
Born
November 22nd, 1515 509 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1560 464 years ago — 44 years old

Queen consort of James V of Scotland, played a significant role in Scottish politics during the turbulent 16th century. Following the death of her husband in 1542, became regent for her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. Navigated complex relationships with powerful figures, including England and France. Focused on consolidating power and maintaining Catholic influence in Scotland amidst the Protestant Reformation.

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Imagawa Yoshimoto

Japanese daimyō and military leader
Born
1519 506 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1560 464 years ago — 41 years old

A significant daimyō during the Sengoku period, played a crucial role in the political landscape of Japan. Governed the Suruga Province and sought to expand power through alliances and military campaigns. Engaged in conflicts with various rivals, notably Takeda Shingen. Led troops in several critical battles, aiming for control over central Japan. His ambitions ultimately ended at the Battle of Okehazama, where he was defeated and killed. His legacy remained influential in the subsequent power struggles of the era.

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