Historical Events from This Year 1566
Laying of the Foundation Stone of Valletta
Jean Parisot de Valette, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, laid the foundation stone of Valletta, the new capital city of Malta, on March 28, 1566. This strategic decision followed the Great Siege of 1565, during which the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the islands. Valette aimed to create a fortified city that would not only serve as a stronghold but also symbolize the Order's resilience and commitment to the defense of Christendom. The city was designed by the military engineer Francesco Laparelli and constructed on the site of the former city of Birgu.
Continue ReadingDutch Noblemen Demand Compromise from Margaret of Parma
Two hundred Dutch noblemen, led by Hendrick van Brederode, force themselves into the presence of Margaret of Parma, the regent of the Spanish Netherlands. They present the Petition of Compromise, an appeal against the abuses of the Spanish Inquisition in the Seventeen Provinces. This act signifies a pivotal moment of resistance against Spanish rule, highlighting the growing discontent among the local nobility regarding religious persecution and the oppressive policies imposed by the Spanish Crown.
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