What Happened This Year 1579

People Who Died in 1579

Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada

Spanish Conquistador and Explorer
Born
1509 516 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1579 446 years ago — 70 years old

Led the Spanish expedition that established the city of Bogotá in modern-day Colombia. Set out from Santa Marta in 1536, traversing the Andes mountains and the challenging terrain of the region. Explored the territories expanded by the indigenous Muisca civilization, which led to significant territorial claims for Spain. Jiménez de Quesada's journey contributed to the early Spanish colonization efforts in South America, and he served as the first governor of the New Kingdom of Granada.

Continue Reading

Nicholas Bacon

English politician and Lord Keeper
Born
December 28th, 1510 514 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1579 446 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal from 1558 until death in 1579. Played a significant role in Elizabethan politics, supporting the queen during her reign. As a prominent figure in the Privy Council, contributed to important legislative matters and the administration of justice. Involved in various diplomatic missions and the management of foreign policy. Maintained a strong advisory role to Elizabeth I, impacting the governance of England during a crucial period.

Continue Reading

Hatano Hideharu

Japanese warlord during the Sengoku period
Born
1541 484 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1579 445 years ago — 38 years old

Served as a prominent warlord during Japan's Sengoku period. Engaged in regional conflicts as a member of the Takeda clan and played a crucial role in battles against rival clans. He contributed to the consolidation of power in the region and established a reputation for military leadership. His efforts were particularly notable during the campaigns led by Takeda Shingen.

Continue Reading

Stanislaus Hosius

Polish cardinal and theologian
Born
May 5th, 1504 520 years ago
Died
August 5th, 1579 445 years ago — 75 years old

Born on May 5, 1504, this prominent figure served as a cardinal in the Catholic Church and played a significant role during the Reformation. He became a bishop in warmia and was pivotal in establishing the Counter-Reformation in Poland. Active in various councils, he was instrumental in promoting Catholic doctrine against Protestantism. His writings contributed to theological discourse, and his efforts in church reform helped shape the religious landscape in the region.

Continue Reading

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha

Ottoman Grand Vizier and statesman
Born
1506 519 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1579 445 years ago — 73 years old

Served as the 43rd Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire from 1565 until 1579. Played a significant role in the administration and governance of the empire during a critical period of expansion and consolidation. Influenced military campaigns and diplomatic relations, seeking to bolster the empire's power in Europe and the Middle East. Implemented various reforms that aimed to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and promote economic growth. His tenure saw important developments, including the establishment of diplomatic ties with European states.

Continue Reading

Ferenc Dávid

Hungarian preacher and Unitarian founder
Born
1510 515 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1579 445 years ago — 69 years old

A Hungarian preacher established the Unitarian Church in Transylvania during the Reformation. His theological work emphasized rational thought and individual interpretation of scripture, leading to significant developments in religious thought in the region. He was a prominent figure in the promotion of religious tolerance and played a key role in the early Unitarian movement. His writings and sermons contributed to the spread of Unitarian beliefs, influencing future generations and shaping the church's identity.

Continue Reading

Thomas Gresham

Merchant and financier; created Gresham's Law
Born
1519 506 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1579 445 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent English merchant and financier in the 16th century, this figure played a significant role in establishing a financial reputation for England. He founded Gresham College in London, promoting education in commerce and finance. Gresham's Law, which describes how bad money drives out good money in circulation, emerged from his economic observations. His financial expertise helped to stabilize the English economy during a period of monetary uncertainty. Additionally, Gresham served as an advisor to several monarchs and held the position of Queen Elizabeth I's financial agent in the Netherlands, where he monitored the currency market and facilitated trade.

Continue Reading

Alessandro Piccolomini

Italian astronomer and philosopher
Born
June 13th, 1508 516 years ago
Died
1579 446 years ago — 71 years old

An Italian astronomer and philosopher contributed to the fields of astronomy and philosophy during the Renaissance. Wrote 'De Ratione Universorum', which examined the nature of the universe and celestial bodies. Held the position of professor of philosophy at the University of Siena. Engaged in discussions surrounding Copernican theory, offering insights on the structure of the cosmos and the nature of celestial bodies.

Continue Reading

Albert V

Duke of Bavaria and Renaissance patron
Born
February 29th, 1528 497 years ago
Died
1579 446 years ago — 51 years old

Born in 1528, a notable Duke of Bavaria known for fostering the arts and culture during the Renaissance period in Munich. His reign saw significant architectural advancements, especially the construction and expansion of Munich's palaces. An important figure in the Counter-Reformation, he supported Jesuit education and churches. Numerous artists were commissioned, enhancing the city's cultural landscape. This era marked the establishment of Bavaria as a center of Greco-Roman architecture and art in Europe.

Continue Reading