1521
Luther at the Diet of Worms
Summoned before Emperor Charles V, Luther refused to retract his writings.
Tenochtitlan Falls
After a ninety-three-day siege, Spanish brigantines and Tlaxcalan canoes reduced Tenochtitlan to rubble block by block.
Magellan Killed on Mactan
On the Philippine island of Mactan, Ferdinand Magellan waded ashore to chastise a chieftain named Lapu-Lapu who had refused Spanish authority.
Portuguese Introduce Maize to China
Portuguese traders operating in Guangdong introduced maize and sweet potatoes from the Americas to southern Chinese farmers…
Belgrade Falls to Suleiman
The young sultan Suleiman marched his army up the Danube and took Belgrade, a fortress that had repelled Mehmed II half a century before.
Cortes Recruits Tlaxcalan Allies
During the siege of Tenochtitlan, Hernan Cortes relied on tens of thousands of Tlaxcalan warriors who had their own scores to settle with the Mexica.
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1521?
Saeculum lists 6 events from 1521. The most significant is Luther at the Diet of Worms: Summoned before Emperor Charles V, Luther refused to retract his writings. Here I stand, he reportedly said, I can do no other.
What era was 1521 part of?
1521 falls within the Renaissance (1501-1650). Reformation, conquest, and the world drawn whole.
Which regions saw notable events in 1521?
The events from 1521 span Europe, North America, Southeast Asia and East Asia.