WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 16. CENTURY
Find out what all happened in the first half of the 16. century

The Revolt of the Comuneros begins in Spain against the rule of Charles V. (16. April 1520)

Martin Luther's first appearance before the Diet of Worms to be examined by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and the other estates of the empire. (16. April 1521)

Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day. (17. April 1521)

Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor. (17. April 1524)

The cornerstone of the current St. Peter's Basilica is laid. (18. April 1506)

Bona Sforza is crowned as queen consort of Poland. (18. April 1518)

Trial of Martin Luther begins its second day during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. He refuses to recant his teachings despite the risk of excommunication. (18. April 1521)

Beginning of the Protestant Reformation: The Second Diet of Speyer bans Lutheranism; a group of rulers (German: Fürst) and independent cities (German: Reichsstadt) protests the reinstatement of the Edict of Worms. (19. April 1529)

Charles V and Protestants signs Treaty of Frankfurt. (19. April 1539)

Jacques Cartier begins the voyage during which he discovers Canada and Labrador. (20. April 1534)

The Sun dog phenomenon observed over Stockholm and depicted in the famous painting Vädersolstavlan. (20. April 1535)

The three-day Lisbon Massacre comes to an end with the slaughter of over 1,900 suspected Jews by Portuguese Catholics. (21. April 1506)

Henry VIII ascends the throne of England on the death of his father, Henry VII. (21. April 1509)

The last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty, Ibrahim Lodi is defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat. (21. April 1526)

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés establishes a settlement at Veracruz, Mexico. (22. April 1519)

Treaty of Saragossa divides the eastern hemisphere between Spain and Portugal along a line 297.5 leagues or 17° east of the Moluccas. (22. April 1529)

The Bayerische Reinheitsgebot is signed in Ingolstadt. (23. April 1516)

Battle of Villalar: King Charles I of Spain defeats the Comuneros. (23. April 1521)

Battle of Mühlberg. Duke of Alba, commanding Spanish-Imperial forces of Charles I of Spain, defeats the troops of Schmalkaldic League. (24. April 1547)

Pope Julius II places the Italian state of Venice under interdict. (27. April 1509)