The world in
What happened in 1660?
11 events across 4 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- Scientific Revolution
In 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.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Outbreak of the Second Northern War
In 1655, the Swedish Empire attacked the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, triggering the Second Northern War. The conflict later drew in Russia, Brandenburg-Prussia, the Habsburg monarchy, and Denmark–Norway, concluding in 1660 with the treaties of Copenhagen and Oliva. The war devastated the Commonwealth, costing it roughly a third of its population and its great-power status, an episode remembered in Poland as the Deluge.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- The Deluge Begins
In 1655, the Swedish Empire invaded the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, beginning the military conflict known as the Deluge. This war was part of the Second Northern War, though the term can also refer more broadly to the series of campaigns from the Khmelnytsky Uprising in 1648 to the Truce of Andrusovo in 1667.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Outbreak of the Cretan War
In 1645, war broke out between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire over the island of Crete, Venice's largest and richest overseas possession. The conflict mainly took place on Crete, especially at Candia, with Venice and allies (Knights of Malta, Papal States, France) against the Ottoman Empire and Barbary States. It lasted until 1669, combining land and naval battles, with Dalmatia as a secondary theater.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Portuguese Restoration War
The Portuguese Restoration War was an independence war fought between Portugal and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula from 1640 to 1668. Triggered by the Portuguese revolution of 1640, it brought an end to the 60-year Iberian Union and concluded with the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668, restoring Portuguese independence.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Signing of the Treaty of Oliva
The Treaty of Oliva was signed on 23 April 1660 at Oliwa near Danzig, ending the Second Northern War between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Sweden, Brandenburg-Prussia, and the Holy Roman Empire. Along with the Treaty of Copenhagen in the same year and the Treaty of Cardis in the following, it marked the high point of the Swedish Empire.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Signing of the Treaty of Copenhagen
On 27 May 1660, Sweden and Denmark–Norway signed a peace treaty in Copenhagen, ending the Dano-Swedish conflict within the Second Northern War. The treaty confirmed the boundaries set by the earlier Treaty of Roskilde, which have largely persisted to the present.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
- Outbreak of the Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660)
In 1654, the Anglo-Spanish War broke out between the Commonwealth of England (under Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate) and Habsburg Spain, driven by economic and religious rivalry. The conflict involved attacks on commercial and colonial interests through privateering and naval expeditions, lasting until 1660.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Central Asian steppe
- Construction of the Tilla Kari Madrasa in Samarkand (17th Century)
The Tilla Kari Madrasa was built in the 17th century on the Registan square in Samarkand, combining religious and educational functions. It forms an architectural ensemble with the Ulugh Beg and Sher-Dor madrasas. The madrasa is part of the historic center of Samarkand, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
East Asia
- Outbreak of the Ming–Qing War
In 1618, the Later Jin leader Nurhaci openly rebelled against the Ming by publishing the 'Seven Grievances', marking the outbreak of the Ming–Qing War.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
North Africa
- Foundation of Djamaa al-Djedid mosque in Algiers
In 1660, a new mosque was built in the lower Casbah district of Algiers, in the Moorish style and close to the sea.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Around 1660
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.
- Russian conquest of Siberia
- Beginning of the Columbian Exchange
- Beginning of the Renaissance
- Emergence of the Enlightenment
- Construction of the Canal du Midi begins
- Founding of the Royal Palaces of Abomey
- Establishment of the Fort on James Island
- Founding of St. George's Town