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A moment in history

Who ruled the world in 1546?

12 thrones active across 12 rulers, a snapshot of the 16th century.

1546 was a tumultuous year for Europe and Asia. In February the German priest and complicated leader of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther, died at age 62 from an apparent heart attack. Months later, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, started the Schmalkaldic War against the Protestant princes in Germany. In England, Henry VIII changed his will to set his nine-year-old son, Edward VI, as his successor upon his death, which would happen the next year; this would shape the next half-century of English history. King John III of Portugal ordered his men to demolish Hindu temples in Goa, and forbade Hindus worshipping in public. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Sultanate stormed the Portuguese fortress in Diu, but after six months Portugal held the city. In modern-day Myanmar, a major invasion of the Kingdom of Mrauk U was launched by the Burmese king, Tabinshwehti.
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Explore who held power in each world throne this year.

Chronicle

Key events of 1546

  • 18 FebDeath of Martin Luther, German reformer
  • 1 MarGeorge Wishart burned at the stake at St Andrews (Scotland)
  • 29 MayCardinal David Beaton assassinated at St Andrews Castle
  • 7 JunTreaty of Ardres ends the Italian War between England and France
  • 10 JulSchmalkaldic War begins; Charles V outlaws Saxon and Hessian leaders
  • 3 SepIlie II Rareș becomes Prince of Moldavia
  • 30 DecHenry VIII revises his will, naming the succession: Edward, Mary, Elizabeth, then Jane Grey

From the library

Go deeper on 1546

Histories tied to the people, places, and turning points that defined this year across the world.

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