Explore 129 historical events from 1540–1549.
John Zápolya or Szapolyai, was King of Hungary from 1526 to 1540. His rule was disputed by Archduke Ferdinand I, who also claimed the title King of Hungary. He was Voivode of Trans…
John Zápolya, Hungarian king (born 1487)
Thomas Cromwell was an English statesman and lawyer who served as chief minister to King Henry VIII from 1534 until mid-1540, at which time he was beheaded on Henry's orders, a los…
Thomas Cromwell, English lawyer and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (born 1495)
Thomas Abel was an English priest who was martyred during the reign of Henry VIII. The place and date of his birth are unknown.
Thomas Abel, English priest and martyr (born 1497)
Robert Barnes was an English reformer and martyr.
Robert Barnes, English martyr and reformer (born 1495)
Guillaume Budé was a French scholar and humanist. He was involved in the founding of Collegium Trilingue, which later became the Collège de France.
Guillaume Budé, French philosopher and scholar (born 1467)
Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, also known as Francesco Mazzola or, more commonly, as Parmigianino, was an Italian Mannerist painter and printmaker active in Florence, Rome, Bolo…
Parmigianino, Italian painter and etcher (born 1503)
Federico II of Gonzaga was the ruler of the Italian city of Mantua from 1519 until his death. He was also Marquis of Montferrat from 1536.
Federico II Gonzaga, duke of Mantua (born 1500)
Dawit II, better known by his birth name of Lebna Dengel, and also known by the macaronic name Wanag Segad, was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1508 to 1540, whose political center and pa…
Dawit II of Ethiopia (born 1501)
Henry VIII was King of England and Ireland from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547.
King Henry VIII of England had his chief minister Thomas Cromwell executed for treason and heresy.