1490 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	14th century – 15th century – 16th century
Decades:	1460s 1470s 1480s – 1490s – 1500s 1510s 1520s
Years:	1487 1488 1489 – 1490 – 1491 1492 1493

The year 1490 was a time of many important events around the world. New leaders took power, explorers traveled to new lands, and important books were published. This was a period of change and discovery, especially in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Important Events in 1490
People Born in 1490
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Important Events in 1490

New Leaders and Rulers

In Japan, a new leader named Yoshitane became the shogun. A shogun was like a military ruler who held real power in Japan during this time.
A very young boy, Charles John Amadeus of Savoy, became the Duke of Savoy. He was only 1 year old! His mother, Blanche of Montferrato, acted as his regent. A regent is someone who rules for a child until they are old enough.
On December 19, Anne of Brittany was married to Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. This was done by proxy, meaning someone stood in for Maximilian during the ceremony.

Books and Learning

A famous book called Tirant Lo Blanc was published. It was written by Joanot Martorell and Martí Joan de Galba. This book is an important part of old Spanish literature.
A well-known printer named Aldus Manutius moved to Venice, Italy. Venice was a big center for printing and trade back then.
John Colet earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from Magdalen College, Oxford in England. This was an important step in his education.

Exploration and Religion

An explorer named Pedro de Covilham arrived in Ethiopia, a country in Africa. He was one of the first Europeans to travel so far into East Africa.
Catholic missionaries arrived in the African kingdom of Kongo. Missionaries are people who travel to spread their religious beliefs.

New Buildings and Inventions

The building of the Castle Church began in Wittenberg, Germany. This church would later become famous in history.
Regular postal service started between the Habsburg family's homes in Mechelen (now in Belgium) and Innsbruck (in Austria). This was the first regular mail service in what is now Germany.
The famous artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci observed something called capillary action. This is how liquids can move up narrow tubes, like water moving up a plant stem.