1660s facts for kids

The 1660s were a busy time in history, filled with important events and the rise and fall of powerful leaders. This decade saw a terrible fire in London and big battles in Europe. Many famous people were born or died during these ten years, shaping the future in different ways.

Major Events of the 1660s

What Was the Great Fire of London?

• The Great Fire of London happened in England in 1666. It was a huge fire that destroyed much of the city of London. The fire started in a bakery and spread quickly because many buildings were made of wood and packed closely together. It burned for several days, leaving thousands of people homeless and changing the city forever. After the fire, London was rebuilt with more brick and stone buildings to prevent such a disaster from happening again.

How Did Europe Fight the Ottoman Empire?

• The Ottoman Empire was a very large and powerful empire that stretched across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the 1660s, the Ottoman Empire attacked parts of Europe. However, they were stopped at the Battle of Saint Gotthard in 1664. This battle was a big victory for the European forces, helping to protect their lands from further invasion.

Important People Born in the 1660s

• Cotton Mather was born in 1663 in America. He became a very important pastor and writer. He wrote many books and was a key figure in the early history of the American colonies.
• Queen Anne of Great Britain was born in 1665. She later became the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. Her reign was a time of important political changes and wars.
• Jonathan Swift was born in 1667 in Ireland. He grew up to be a famous writer, known for his clever and often satirical books, like Gulliver's Travels.

Famous People Who Died in the 1660s

• Blaise Pascal died in 1662. He was a brilliant French thinker, mathematician, and scientist. He made important discoveries in math and physics and also wrote about philosophy and religion.
• Shah Jahan died in 1666. He was the Emperor of India and is most famous for ordering the building of the Taj Mahal, a beautiful tomb for his wife.
• Frans Hals died in 1666. He was a famous Dutch painter, known for his lively portraits of people. His paintings captured the expressions and personalities of his subjects.

World Leaders During the 1660s

Many kings and emperors ruled different parts of the world during the 1660s. These leaders made important decisions that shaped their countries and the world.

Leaders in Europe

• King Frederick III of Denmark ruled Denmark from 1648 to 1670.
• King Charles II of England ruled England from 1660 to 1685. He was known for restoring the monarchy after a period of republican rule.
• King Louis XIV of France ruled France for a very long time, from 1643 to 1715. He was known as the "Sun King" and made France a very powerful country in Europe.
• Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor was the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire from 1658 to 1705.
• King John II of Poland ruled Poland from 1649 to 1668.
• King Afonso VI of Portugal ruled Portugal from 1656 to 1667, followed by King Peter II of Portugal from 1667 to 1706.
• Tsar Aleksey I of Russia ruled Russia from 1645 to 1676.
• King Philip IV of Spain ruled Spain from 1621 to 1665, followed by King Charles II of Spain from 1665 to 1700.
• King Charles XI of Sweden ruled Sweden from 1660 to 1697.

Leaders Outside Europe

• Emperor Yohannes I of Ethiopia ruled Ethiopia from 1667 to 1682.

See also

In Spanish: Años 1660 para niños