Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) is crowned in Moscow with the title of Tsar, marking the beginning of the Tsardom of Russia.
An ecumenical council of the Catholic Church meets at Trent, reaffirming Catholic doctrine and launching the Counter-Reformation in response to Protestantism.
Nicolaus Copernicus's On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres is printed, placing the Sun at the centre and launching the Scientific Revolution.
Andreas Vesalius publishes his illustrated work on human anatomy based on direct dissection, founding modern anatomy.
The English Parliament passes the Act of Supremacy, declaring Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England and breaking with papal authority.
William Shakespeare, the most celebrated playwright and poet in the English language, is born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Dutch provinces revolt against Spanish rule; the war ends with Spain recognising the independence of the Dutch Republic.