December 1620★★★★★
Mayflower Pilgrims found Plymouth Colony
The Mayflower Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact and establish Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.
ExplorationReligion· United States, United Kingdom
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Events this year
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
1568 – 1648★★★★★
Eighty Years' War (Dutch Revolt)
The Dutch provinces revolt against Spanish rule; the war ends with Spain recognising the independence of the Dutch Republic.
WarRevolution· Netherlands, Belgium, Spain
1618 – 1648★★★★★
Thirty Years' War
Beginning with a revolt in Bohemia, the conflict spreads across Central Europe, drawing in the major European powers and causing enormous loss of life.
WarReligion· Germany, Czechia, Austria, Sweden, France, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands