15th century

The 15th century was the time between January 1, 1401 and December 31, 1500. This was a time of big changes in the world.

In Europe, this period included the end of the Middle Ages and the start of the Renaissance. Important ideas about art, money, and record-keeping began in places like Italy. Big wars such as the Hundred Years' War ended, and new rulers came to power in places like England.

One of the most important events was the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks. This brought many Greek thinkers and books to Italy and helped the Renaissance grow. Also, a man named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, which made it easier to share books and ideas.

In other parts of the world, big empires like the Aztec Empire and the Inca Empire were strong, but European explorers like Christopher Columbus began to arrive, changing history forever. In Africa, changes were happening too, with new powers rising and old kingdoms facing tough times.

Events

1401–1409

Many important changes happened during this time. New states were created, like the Malwa Sultanate in India and the Sultanate of Malacca. Big battles took place, such as the Battle of Ankara between the Ottoman and Timurid Empires. In China, the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing.

1410s

This period saw key battles like the Battle of Grunwald, which weakened the Teutonic Knights. The last Welsh war of independence began, led by Owain Glyndŵr. In Europe, important figures like Henry the Navigator started efforts that would lead to new discoveries.

1420s

The construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing was finished. In Africa, the Ife Empire collapsed. Important leaders came to power, such as James I returning to Scotland and Itzcoatl becoming the first emperor of the Aztec Empire. Joan of Arc played a major role in the Hundred Years' War by lifting the Siege of Orléans.

1430s

Several rulers and leaders changed during this time. Rajah Lontok and Dayang Kalangitan became co-rulers of Tondo. Important trials and battles happened, including the trial of Joan of Arc and the Battle of Lipany, which ended the Hussite Wars. Pachacuti founded the Inca Empire.

1440s

Eton College was founded. The Golden Horde split into several smaller states. Leaders like Moctezuma I began to rule the Aztecs, and Oba Ewuare turned Benin into an empire. Jan van Eyck, a famous painter, passed away. Portuguese navigators began trading with Africa.

1450s

Machu Picchu was built. Dayang Kalangitan became the Queen of Tondo. Bahlul Khan Lodhi started the Lodhi dynasty in Delhi. The Fall of Constantinople ended the Byzantine Empire. The Battle of Castillon was the last battle of the Hundred Years' War. Joan of Arc was cleared of wrong charges by the Catholic Church.

1460s

The League of Mayapan broke apart. Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans. Important battles happened, such as the Battle of Mortimer's Cross and the Battle of Towton during the Wars of the Roses. Sonni Ali Ber of the Songhai Empire conquered Mali. Edward IV of England married Elizabeth Woodville.

1470s

Stephen the Great of Moldavia defeated the Tatars. The kingdom of Champa was defeated by the Vietnamese. The Wattasid Sultan took over in Morocco. Burgundy Wars took place in several European regions. Muscovy took control of Novgorod. The Great Mosque of Demak was built in Java.

1480s

Muscovy became independent from the Great Horde. The Spanish Inquisition started. Diogo Cão was the first European to enter the Congo. The Jews were expelled from Andalusia. William Caxton printed the first books in English. Henry VII became King of England after winning the Battle of Bosworth.

1490–1500

Askia Muhammad made the Songhai Empire very large. Boabdil gave up Granada, ending the Reconquista in Spain. Christopher Columbus traveled to the Americas. Spain and Portugal agreed to divide the world outside of Europe. Vasco da Gama traveled from Europe to India and back. Guru Nanak began spreading Sikhism. Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed Brazil for Portugal.

Inventions, discoveries, introductions

See also: Science and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci

See also: Timeline of historic inventions § 15th century

The 15th century brought many important changes and new ideas. The Renaissance influenced how people thought about the world, science, and art. The Modern English language began to develop from older forms of English.

New things like public banks and the noon bell in Catholic areas appeared. Huge collections of books, such as the Yongle Encyclopedia with over 22,000 volumes, were created. The Hangul alphabet was invented in Korea, and Scotch whisky was introduced.

Printing technology grew with the development of woodcut and the use of movable type. Johannes Gutenberg improved the printing press in Europe around 1455. Artists learned new ways to draw, such as linear perspective, made perfect by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1410 and 1415. New musical instruments like the harpsichord were invented around 1450. In 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the Americas.