Timeline

1469

Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

May

03

European History

Italian philosopher and writer Niccolo Machiavelli born

On May 3, 1469, the Italian philosopher and writer Niccolo Machiavelli is born. A lifelong patriot and diehard proponent of a unified Italy, Machiavelli became one of the fathers of modern political theory.

Niccolo Machiavelli

circa 1500: Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 - 1527), an Italian diplomat and political theorist. He served in the Florentine government until the Medici restoration in 1512, and in 1513, wrote his most famous work, 'The Prince'. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

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Oct

19

European History

Ferdinand of Aragon marries Isabella of Castile

On October 19, 1469, Ferdinand of Aragon marries Isabella of Castile in Valladolid, thus beginning a cooperative reign that would unite all the dominions of Spain and elevate the nation to a dominant world power.

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