1618 facts for kids

1618 was a year with many important events, especially in Europe. It saw the start of a major conflict known as the Thirty Years' War and important discoveries in science.

Key Events of 1618

Science and Discoveries

• On March 8, the famous scientist Johannes Kepler made a big discovery! He found what is now called the third law of planetary motion. This law helps us understand how planets move around the Sun. He confirmed his discovery on May 15.

Politics and Conflicts

• On May 23, a dramatic event happened in Prague, which is now the capital of the Czech Republic. This event is known as the Second Defenestration of Prague. Some Protestant noblemen threw three representatives of Ferdinand II out of a window. This shocking event was a major reason for the start of the Thirty Years' War, a very long and important conflict in European history.
• On August 29, two important Dutch figures, Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Hugo Grotius, were put in prison by Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange.
• On October 29, Sir Walter Raleigh, an English adventurer and writer, was put to death. He was accused of working against King James I of England.
• In a political move, the leaders of Brandenburg received permission from Poland to take over Ducal Prussia. This was an important step in the history of these regions.
• On November 13, a significant religious meeting called the Synod of Dordrecht began. This meeting was held to discuss important religious ideas and beliefs.
• The leadership of the Ottoman Empire changed this year. Mustafa I was replaced as emperor by Osman II.

Arts and Architecture

• In 1618, the Teatro Farnese was built in Parma, Italy. This was a very special building because it was the first permanent theatre with a "proscenium arch." This arch creates a frame around the stage, which is how many theatres are still designed today. It could hold 3,000 people!

Images for kids

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  May 23: The Second Defenestration of Prague helped start the Thirty Years' War.

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  September 19–November 21: The Siege of Pilsen was an early battle of the Thirty Years' War.

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  A portrait of Jan Six.

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  A self-portrait of Sir Peter Lely.

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  A painting of Aurangzeb.

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  A portrait of Philip II, Duke of Pomerania.

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  A portrait of Marie of the Incarnation (Carmelite).

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  A portrait of Nicolò Rusca.

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  A portrait of Albert Frederick, Duke of Prussia.

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  A painting of Jakob Rem.

See also

In Spanish: 1618 para niños