1490s facts for kids
| Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
| Centuries: | 14th century – 15th century – 16th century |
| Decades: | 1460s 1470s 1480s – 1490s – 1500s 1510s 1520s |
| Years: | 1490 1491 1492 1493 1494 1495 1496 1497 1498 1499 |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments |
The 1490s were an exciting time, especially for exploration and big changes in Europe. It was a decade when brave sailors set off across the oceans, and powerful kingdoms saw new beginnings. This period led to a lot of new discoveries and shaped the world we know today.
Contents
What Happened in the 1490s?
Exploring New Lands: Christopher Columbus's Journey
In 1492, a famous explorer named Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain. He was looking for a new way to reach India by going west. Instead, he landed on islands in what we now call the American continent. This amazing discovery opened up a whole "New World" for Europeans to explore. It started a time of great voyages and new maps.
Spain's Big Change: The End of Moorish Rule
Also in 1492, a very important event happened in Spain. The Moors, who had ruled parts of Spain for hundreds of years, were finally driven out. This happened when the city of Granada, their last stronghold, surrendered. This event united Spain under the rule of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
Important People of the 1490s
Who Were the Key Leaders?
Many important leaders were active during this decade. They made decisions that changed countries and even continents.
- King Ferdinand II of Aragon (ruled 1479–1516) and Queen Isabella of Castile (ruled 1474–1504) were the powerful rulers of Spain. They supported Columbus's voyages and united Spain.
- King Henry VII of England (ruled 1485–1509) was the first king of the Tudor family in England. He brought peace after a long war.
- King Charles VIII of France (ruled 1483–1498) and King Louis XII of France (ruled 1498–1515) were French kings who played big roles in European politics.
- Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor (ruled 1440–1493), and Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (ruled 1493–1519), were important leaders in the large German lands.
- King James IV of Scotland (ruled 1488–1513) was a strong king who improved Scotland.
- Duke Ivan III of Russia was a powerful ruler who greatly expanded Russia's territory.
- King John I of Denmark was a king who ruled over Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Notable Thinkers and Rulers
- Philipp Melanchthon was born in this decade. He became a very important German thinker and a key figure in the religious changes happening in Europe.
- Lorenzo de' Medici was a powerful Italian ruler and a great supporter of art and learning in Florence. He died in 1492.
- Tupac Inca Yupanqui was a ruler of the large Tahuantinsuyu (Inca Empire) in South America. He expanded the empire greatly before his death.
Images for kids
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January 2, 1492 – Muhammad XII, the last Moorish ruler of Granada, gives up his city to the army of Ferdinand and Isabella.
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October 12, 1492 – Columbus finds the Americas for Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Años 1490 para niños
