The world in
What happened in 1421?
9 events across 6 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
Outbreak of the Hundred Years' WarIn 1337, a prolonged conflict known as the Hundred Years' War broke out between England and France over territorial disputes and a claim to the French throne. The war, intermittent over more than a century, ended with a French victory and the recovery of most English-held territories on the continent.
Construction of Bern Minster beginsIn 1421, construction of Bern Minster began in the city of Bern, Switzerland. Built in the Gothic style, its tower, measuring about 100 metres, was only completed in the late 19th century. It is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland and a Cultural Property of National Significance.
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Consecration of the Basilica of San LorenzoThe Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence was consecrated in the late 4th century, becoming one of the city's oldest churches. At the time it stood outside the city walls. It later served as the city's cathedral for centuries and became the principal burial place of the Medici family, accumulating works by major Renaissance artists.
Manchester CathedralThis Grade I listed Anglican cathedral serves the Diocese of Manchester and stands on Victoria Street in the city's central area.
West Asia
Outbreak of the Byzantine–Ottoman warsAround 1265, the first of a series of military conflicts broke out between the Byzantine Empire and the emerging Ottoman Empire over Anatolia. This clash initiated a war that lasted over two centuries, ultimately leading to the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Originally uploaded by Gabr-el (Transferred by terraflorin ) / Public domain ↗
Sub-Saharan Africa
Founding of the Larabanga MosqueIn 1421, the Larabanga Mosque was founded in the Sudanese architectural style in present-day northern Ghana, becoming the country's oldest mosque and a significant testament to West African Islamic architecture.
South Asia
Completion of the Green MosqueThe Green Mosque was completed in Balkh, Afghanistan, during the Timurid era. It includes a mosque, madrasa, and mausoleum, named for its turquoise tiles.
North Africa
Completion of the Sultan al-Mu'ayyad MosqueIn 1421, the Sultan al-Mu'ayyad Mosque was completed in Islamic Cairo, Egypt. The complex was built under the Mamluk sultan al-Mu'ayyad Shaykh, with construction beginning in 1415 and lasting six years. It includes a Friday mosque, two mausoleums, and originally a madrasa teaching the four madhhabs, replacing a former prison on the site. Its two minarets are uniquely built atop the Fatimid-era towers of Bab Zuwayla.
East Asia
- Ming Treasure Voyages
Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming fleet undertook seven major maritime expeditions, crossing Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean to reach the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. The Yongle Emperor ordered the construction of a vast fleet, and Admiral Zheng He was commissioned to lead it. The first three voyages reached Calicut on India's Malabar Coast, the fourth went as far as Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, and the later voyages sailed to the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Around 1421
These are known only to the century, not to the year. They are listed separately so a rough date is never mistaken for an exact one.
- Beginning of the Renaissance
- The Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Formation of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs Complex
- Founding of the Temple of Heaven
- Foundation of the Llotja de la Seda
- Construction of the Ghanaian Forts and Castles Begins
- Red Square emerges east of the Moscow Kremlin
- Construction of Ulugh Beg Observatory begins