Era · c. 1500 – 1800
Voyages of exploration, the Reformation and the age of revolutions that reshaped Europe and the wider world.
Ricci established a lasting Jesuit presence in Beijing, introduced European mathematics and geography to Chinese scholars and shaped a missionary strategy of cultural accommodation.
Ten days were dropped in October 1582 and a new leap-year rule created the calendar now used as the international civil standard.
William of Orange was killed; the Dutch Revolt survived under new leaders, but Spain regained much of the southern Netherlands.
The conspirators were executed in September 1586, and Mary's coded letter approving the plot led to her trial and execution.
English victory; dozens of Spanish ships and large stores were destroyed, delaying the Armada until 1588.
Mary was beheaded; Elizabeth disowned the act, and Philip II of Spain pressed ahead with the invasion of England.
The roughly 115 colonists left on Roanoke Island in 1587 disappeared before John White's return in 1590; their fate remains unknown.
Guise and his brother the cardinal were killed; the Catholic League rose against Henry III, who allied with Henry of Navarre.
The invasion failed; the Armada was driven into the North Sea and lost an estimated 50 to 65 ships, mostly in storms on the way home.
Abbas restored Safavid power, recovered lost provinces and made Isfahan one of the great cities of the world.
Farmers were ordered to surrender swords, bows, spears and firearms, helping to separate warriors from cultivators in the social order of early modern Japan.
Henry III died on 2 August 1589; the Valois dynasty ended and the Protestant Henry of Navarre claimed the throne as Henry IV.
