1545★★★★★
Silver discovered at Potosí
The vast silver deposits of Cerro Rico at Potosí begin to be mined, supplying huge quantities of silver to Spain and the world economy.
Economy· Bolivia, Spain
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Events this year
December 13, 1545 – December 4, 1563★★★★★
Council of Trent
An ecumenical council of the Catholic Church meets at Trent, reaffirming Catholic doctrine and launching the Counter-Reformation in response to Protestantism.
Religion· Italy
Ongoing
1351 – 1767★★★★★
Founding of the Ayutthaya Kingdom
King Ramathibodi I founds the capital of Ayutthaya, beginning a Siamese kingdom that lasts over four centuries.
DynastyPolitics· Thailand
c. 15th century – c. 1860s★★★★★
The transatlantic slave trade
From the 16th to the 19th century, an estimated 12.5 million enslaved Africans were shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas, with profound consequences for both continents.
Economy· Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Angola, Brazil, United States, Portugal, United Kingdom
1501 – 1736★★★★★
Ismail I founds the Safavid dynasty
Ismail I proclaims himself shah in Tabriz, founding the Safavid dynasty and making Twelver Shia Islam Iran's state religion.
DynastyReligion· Iran, Azerbaijan
1520 – 1566★★★★★
Reign of Suleiman the Magnificent
Suleiman I rules the Ottoman Empire at the height of its territorial, legal and cultural power.
DynastyPolitics· Turkey
1533 – 1592★★★★★
Lê restoration: Southern and Northern dynasties
Lê loyalists led by Nguyễn Kim enthrone Lê Trang Tông, beginning a long civil war between the restored Lê and the Mạc.
WarDynasty· Vietnam