What Happened This Year 1586

Historical Events from This Year 1586 (View all 8)

Natural Disasters

Tenshō Earthquake and Tsunami Impact Japan

January 18th, 1586 439 years ago

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Honshu, Japan, causing extensive devastation and loss of life. The seismic event, occurring in January, resulted in the deaths of approximately 8,000 people and triggered a subsequent tsunami that further impacted coastal regions. Major cities experienced severe damage to structures, leading to widespread homelessness and a long recovery process. The calamity was felt throughout the region, showcasing the vulnerabilities of the densely populated areas during such natural disasters.

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Military & Warfare

Drake Captures Cartagena de Indias

February 11th, 1586 439 years ago

Sir Francis Drake led an English force to capture Cartagena de Indias, a prominent Spanish colonial port. The siege lasted two months, resulting in a significant ransom and other booty for the English. The attack on Cartagena was part of broader hostilities between England and Spain, as naval confrontations were escalating during this period. Drake's successful capture demonstrated the vulnerability of Spanish territories in the Americas to English naval power.

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Exploration & Discovery

English Colonists Abandon Roanoke Island Settlement

June 19th, 1586 438 years ago

After struggling to establish a permanent settlement on Roanoke Island, English colonists, led by Sir Richard Grenville, decided to leave the area. Located off the coast of present-day North Carolina, their attempts at colonization faced numerous challenges, including food shortages and strained relations with local Indigenous tribes. Ultimately, the group resolved to return to England, marking a significant setback for English colonization efforts in North America.

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Military & Warfare

English Convoy Defeats Spanish Galleys

July 13th, 1586 438 years ago

A convoy of English ships from the Levant Company successfully repelled a Spanish and Maltese fleet of eleven galleys near Pantelleria in the Mediterranean. The confrontation highlighted the naval prowess of the English against a formidable coalition of galleys from Spain and Malta. The encounter resulted in significant damage to the attacking fleet, showcasing the effectiveness of the English maritime strategy at that time.

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Politics & Government

Conspirators of Babington Plot Executed

September 20th, 1586 438 years ago

A number of conspirators involved in the Babington Plot, including Anthony Babington, were executed through hanging, drawing, and quartering in London. This plot was an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the English throne. The execution aimed to deter other conspirators and uphold the security of the throne, highlighting the intense political tensions of the time.

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Military & Warfare

Marquis del Vasto Defeats English-Dutch Ambush

September 22nd, 1586 438 years ago

In a significant confrontation, the Spanish army led by Marquis del Vasto successfully overcame a strategic ambush set by a combined English and Dutch force at Zutphen. This battle showcased the military prowess of the Spanish, who were engaged in the larger context of the Eighty Years' War, a conflict between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic. The defeat of the English and Dutch forces further secured Spanish influence in the region and demonstrated the complexities of alliances during this protracted struggle.

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Born in 1586 (View all 14)

Johann Hermann Schein

German composer of vocal music
Born
January 20th, 1586 439 years ago
Died
1630 395 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1586, this composer significantly contributed to the early Baroque music scene. He served as a Thomaskantor in Leipzig, where he developed a distinctive style that combined Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque elements. The prolific output included a significant amount of church music, motets, and secular works. His compositions were characterized by rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint, influencing future generations of composers. Schein’s most notable works include the collection 'Cantionals' and operas that explored themes from mythology and religious texts.

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Pietro Della Valle

Italian traveler and author
Born
April 2nd, 1586 438 years ago
Died
1652 373 years ago — 66 years old

An Italian traveler and writer, a significant figure in the 17th century, documented extensive journeys through the Middle East and India. Detailed observations on cultures, customs, and geography led to influential works. Lived in Persia and contributed to the understanding of Eastern cultures through writings that combined narrative with scholarly insight. His major work, 'Viaggi', authored in the early 1600s, provided an important account of travels and experiences in the regions visited, especially during a time of limited European knowledge about parts of Asia.

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Richard Saltonstall

English diplomat and statesman
Born
April 4th, 1586 438 years ago
Died
1661 364 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1586, a prominent English diplomat engaged in various political endeavors during the early 17th century. Served in important diplomatic missions and contributed to negotiations relevant to foreign affairs of England. Held significant influence and was active in matters concerning trade agreements and territorial disputes, reflecting the political complexities of the time. Involved in local governance and contributed to the administration of the region while assisting in shaping diplomatic policies.

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Julius Henry

Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg
Born
April 9th, 1586 438 years ago
Died
1665 360 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1586, this noble figure ruled Saxe-Lauenburg during a period of transition in German principalities. As Duke, initiated various administrative reforms to enhance governance and fortify the duchy against external threats. Contributed to the cultural and architectural developments in the region, leaving a legacy of constructions that reflected the Renaissance ideals of his time. His reign is marked by efforts to strengthen the local economy and improve the welfare of his subjects.

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Rose of Lima

Peruvian mystic and canonized saint
Born
April 20th, 1586 438 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1617 407 years ago — 31 years old

Born in 1586, this individual became a prominent mystic and a saint within the Catholic Church. Recognized for exceptional piety and devotion, she dedicated her life to prayers and charity in Lima, Peru. Her commitment to serving the less fortunate included caring for the sick and poor, often undertaking severe austerities. In 1617, she was the first person in the Americas to be canonized as a saint, reflecting her importance in Catholic devotion. This individual’s feast day is celebrated on August 23.

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Paul Siefert

German composer and organist
Born
May 23rd, 1586 438 years ago
Died
1666 359 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1586, this individual was a significant figure in the Baroque music period. Primarily recognized for contributions to organ music, compositions included pieces for both liturgical and secular settings. Worked extensively in various church roles, showcasing skills as both a composer and performer. The individual's legacy includes influences on subsequent generations of composers and organists, particularly in northern Germany.

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People Who Died in 1586 (View all 15)

Augustus

Elector of Saxony and patron of arts
Born
July 31st, 1526 498 years ago
Died
August 19th, 14 2010 years ago — -1512 years old

Birth occurred on July 31, 1526. Served as Elector of Saxony from 1547 until death in 1586. Played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation by supporting Martin Luther and promoting Protestantism in Saxony. Established the University of Wittenberg, where reformist ideas flourished. Encouraged the development of the arts and culture, leading to notable advancements during the Renaissance period in Germany.

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Margaret of Parma

Duchess and Governor of the Netherlands
Born
1522 503 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1586 439 years ago — 64 years old

Served as Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands from 1559 to 1567. Managed administration during the tumultuous period of the Eighty Years' War. Fostered attempts at reconciliation between the Spanish crown and the rebellious provinces. Oversaw the religious conflicts rooted in the Protestant Reformation, often mediating between opposing factions.

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Lucas Cranach the Younger

German painter of reformation art
Born
October 4th, 1515 509 years ago
Died
January 25th, 1586 439 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent painter during the German Renaissance, this individual focused on religious themes and court portraiture. Significant contributions were made to the Reformation through the depiction of Protestant figures. Operated a successful workshop that produced numerous paintings, prints, and altarpieces. Also engaged in the production of woodcuts and engravings, contributing to the visual language of the time. The artist's works frequently celebrated Lutheran ideals and directly engaged with the socio-political landscape of the era.

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Martin Chemnitz

Lutheran theologian and reformer
Born
November 9th, 1522 502 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1586 438 years ago — 63 years old

Professionally trained as a theologian, contributed significantly to the development of Lutheran doctrine in the late 16th century. Played a crucial role in the Formula of Concord, which resolved various theological disputes within Lutheranism. Authored several influential texts, including the 'Examen Concilii Tridentini', a critical examination of the Council of Trent. His works helped shape the Reformation's theological landscape and provided clarity on issues regarding salvation, the sacraments, and the authority of scripture.

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Henry Sidney

Irish politician, Lord Deputy of Ireland
Born
1529 496 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1586 438 years ago — 57 years old

Served as Lord Deputy of Ireland during the late 16th century. Played a significant role in the governance of Ireland under English rule. His tenure focused on the management of rebellious factions and the establishment of order within the region. Engaged in efforts to reinforce English authority and improve relations with the Irish nobility. After his departure, his contributions to the English administration in Ireland continued to influence subsequent policies.

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Primož Trubar

Protestant Reformer and Translator
Born
June 8th, 1508 516 years ago
Died
June 28th, 1586 438 years ago — 78 years old

A Slovenian Protestant reformer, played a crucial role in the development of the Slovene written language. As a priest and theologian, translated important religious texts into Slovene, including the first complete translation of the Bible into a Slavic language. Founded the Protestant movement in Slovenia and established the first Slovene-language school in 1550. His efforts contributed to the spread of Lutheranism in the region and the promotion of literacy among Slovene speakers.

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