Historical Events from This Year 1618
Kepler's Validation of the Third Law of Motion
Johannes Kepler confirmed the third law of planetary motion after initially rejecting it. Originally discovered on March 8, Kepler was led to doubt the law due to discrepancies in his early calculations. However, upon re-evaluating his data and considering the implications of his earlier work on the movements of planets, he recognized the robustness of his findings and publicly validated the law in May 1618. This pivotal moment reinforced the foundations of celestial mechanics.
Continue ReadingDefenestration Ignites Thirty Years' War
The Second Defenestration of Prague involved the throwing of two officials, Count Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice and Vilem Slavata, from a window in Prague Castle by Protestant nobles. This act of rebellion stemmed from growing tensions between Protestant and Catholic factions in the Holy Roman Empire. The nobles were protesting against the Habsburgs' policies which restricted their religious freedoms. Remarkably, the officials survived the fall, but the incident intensified the conflict that would soon engulf Europe in the Thirty Years' War.
Continue ReadingFirst Printing of the Dutch Newspaper
Joris Veseler printed the first newspaper in the Dutch language, titled 'Courante uyt Italien, Duytslandt, &c.', in Amsterdam. This marked a significant milestone in media history as it was among the earliest instances of regular news publication in the Netherlands. The printed newspaper featured news from Italy, Germany, and other regions, providing updates to the public in a format that was accessible and informative. Veseler's initiative laid the foundation for the modern newspaper industry, ensuring a wider dissemination of information across the Dutch-speaking populace.
Continue ReadingDisbandment of the waardgelders militia in Utrecht
Maurice, Prince of Orange, disbanded the waardgelders militia in Utrecht. This action heightened the tensions of the ongoing conflict between the Remonstrants and Counter-Remonstrants, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of the Dutch Republic. The militia, aligned with the Remonstrant faction, faced increasing scrutiny as provincial authorities reinforced their control over military matters.
Continue ReadingBeginning of the Twelfth Baktun Cycle
The twelfth baktun in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar marks a significant transition in the Mayan timekeeping system. This particular baktun, a 394-year period according to the Long Count, is characterized by profound cultural and religious significance among the Maya civilization. This long cycle reaffirms the connection to astronomical events and demonstrates the intricate relationship the Maya had with their own cosmology, as it is believed they monitored celestial movements closely. The commencement of this baktun was not just merely a shift in time; it was emblematic of a new epoch for the Mesoamerican peoples.
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