15th Century

The 15th century, spanning from the years 1401 to 1500, was a significant period in world history. Here are some of the key events that took place during this time:

• Renaissance: The 15th century witnessed the beginnings of the Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that originated in Italy and later spread across Europe. It marked a revival of interest in the arts, literature, science, and exploration.
• European Exploration: The 15th century saw a surge in European exploration, driven by the desire to find new trade routes to Asia and to expand the influence of European powers. Portuguese explorers, such as Prince Henry the Navigator, began venturing along the coast of Africa, leading to the discovery of new territories and trade opportunities.
• Fall of Constantinople: In 1453, the Byzantine Empire came to an end when the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) was captured by the Ottoman Turks. This event had a significant impact on European politics, as it led to the displacement of many scholars and intellectuals who fled to Western Europe, bringing with them knowledge from the Byzantine Empire.
• Spanish Inquisition: In 1478, the Spanish Inquisition was established by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Its purpose was to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain, but it resulted in the persecution and expulsion of Jews and Muslims who refused to convert to Christianity.
• Wars of the Roses: The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars in England between the Houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. The conflicts lasted intermittently from 1455 to 1487 and resulted in the establishment of the Tudor dynasty under Henry VII.
• European Reformation: In the late 15th century, religious discontent and calls for reform within the Catholic Church began to grow. This eventually led to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, but the seeds of dissent were sown during the 15th century, with figures like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus challenging the authority of the Church.
• Zheng He’s Voyages: Chinese admiral Zheng He embarked on a series of voyages from 1405 to 1433, commanding a massive fleet of ships. These expeditions aimed to showcase Chinese power, establish diplomatic relations, and expand trade networks across the Indian Ocean. Zheng He’s expeditions were significant in terms of maritime exploration and cultural exchange.
• Inca Empire: The Inca Empire reached its height during the 15th century, expanding its territory and establishing a vast network of roads and infrastructure in South America. The Inca civilization flourished in the Andes, with its capital at Cusco, and it would later be encountered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

These are just a few examples of the significant events that occurred during the 15th century. It was a time of great cultural, political, and intellectual change, setting the stage for the transformative events that would unfold in the centuries to come.