Ask AI: What were the coolest things that happened in the 1490s?

The 1490s were a dynamic and transformative decade, featuring significant events that impacted various aspects of human history. Here are some of the coolest things that happened during this period: 1. **Christopher Columbus's Voyages (1492–1493):** - Columbus completed his first voyage across the Atlantic in 1492, reaching the Caribbean, which led to the widespread awareness of the American continents by Europeans and initiated a wave of exploration and eventual colonization. 2. **Opening of the Age of Discovery:** - The 1490s were a pivotal time in the Age of Discovery. Following Columbus's initial voyage, other explorers continued to map the New World, opening vast new lands for European exploration and colonization. 3. **Treaty of Tordesillas (1494):** - To resolve disputes between Spain and Portugal over newly discovered lands, this treaty was signed, with the Pope drawing a line of demarcation. This significantly influenced the subsequent colonization patterns in the Americas. 4. **Leonardo da Vinci's Work:** - Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance, was highly active during the 1490s. He painted "The Last Supper" (completed in 1498) and worked on numerous other projects that blended art and science. 5. **Beginnings of the Renaissance in Northern Europe:** - While the Renaissance began earlier in Italy, the 1490s saw its ideas and influences spreading to Northern Europe, leading to significant developments in art, science, and intellectual thought. 6. **Vasco da Gama's Voyage to India (1497–1499):** - Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama successfully sailed around the Cape of Good Hope to reach India, establishing a new sea route that was crucial for trade between Europe and Asia. 7. **The Printing Press:** - The printing press, already invented by Johann Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, continued to revolutionize the dissemination of knowledge. By the 1490s, printed books were becoming more common, accelerating the spread of ideas. 8. **Michelangelo:** - Michelangelo Buonarroti began to make a name for himself in the 1490s. One of his most noteworthy works from this time is the "Pietà," completed in 1499, which showcases his exceptional skill in sculpture. These events and developments contributed significantly to the shaping of the modern world, influencing everything from culture and art to exploration and geopolitical structures.