The world in
What happened in 1543?
8 events across 5 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
Scientific RevolutionIn the 16th and 17th centuries, a Scientific Revolution took place in Europe, with breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry, altering the human understanding of nature. It marked the emergence of modern science, breaking with Greek traditions, embracing a mechanistic worldview, integrating mathematics, and emphasizing new evidence.
Outbreak of the Protestant ReformationIn 1517, the Protestant Reformation broke out in Western Christianity. Initiated by theologians like Martin Luther, the movement posed a religious and political challenge to the papacy and Catholic authority, seeking to return to the roots of Christianity. It marked the beginning of Protestantism, the end of the Middle Ages, and the start of the early modern period.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: 95Thesen.jpg : User:Shizhao derivative work: 6birc ( talk ) / Public domain ↗
Construction of the Fountain of JusticeThe Fountain of Justice was built in the mid-16th century in the Old City of Bern, Switzerland. It is the only Bernese fountain to retain all original design elements and is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national significance.
Rebuilding of the Lighthouse of GenoaIn 1543, the main lighthouse of the port of Genoa, commonly known as La Lanterna, was rebuilt in its current form, replacing an earlier structure. Standing 76 metres tall with a focal height of 117 metres, it is one of the world's oldest lighthouses and a symbol of the city.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Ethiopian–Adal WarFrom 1529 to 1543, the Christian Ethiopian Empire fought the Muslim Adal Sultanate. Ethiopian forces were drawn from northern highland regions, while Adal's army included Harla, Somali, Afar, and Ottoman-backed gunmen. Portugal later sent musketeers to support Ethiopia. The war ended in a costly Ethiopian victory, weakening the empire and enabling the massive migration of Oromo people into the region.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain ↗
East Asia
Founding of Sosu SeowonSosu Seowon was founded in 1543 by Chu Sebung in Yeongju, Gyeongsang Province, Korea. It is the oldest extant private Confucian academy in Korea. As a key site for the propagation of Neo-Confucianism during the Joseon dynasty, it was later recognized as one of the five major seowons and inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies' in 2019.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain ↗
West Asia
Outbreak of the Ottoman–Safavid War of 1532–1555In 1532, a new war broke out between the Ottoman Empire, led by Suleiman the Magnificent, and the Safavid Empire, ruled by Tahmasp I. It was one of many conflicts between the two arch-rivals. After years of fighting, the Ottoman Empire confirmed its territorial gains in the Peace of Amasya.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Fethullah Çelebi Arifi (historian, poet and painter) and/or Matrakçı Nasuh (painter of landscape) and/or other painters / Public domain ↗
Central & South America
Founding of Antigua GuatemalaAntigua Guatemala was founded in 1543 in the central highlands of Guatemala and immediately became the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, serving as the colonial administrative and religious center. Its layout and abundant Baroque architecture shaped its urban form and spurred regional development. The city was later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Around 1543
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 Columbian Exchange
- Beginning of the Renaissance
- Construction of the Badaling Section of the Great Wall
- Formation of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
- Founding of Varlaam Monastery
- Completion of the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
- Construction of Villa d'Este begins
- Founding of the Cathedral of the Archangel