The Old Swiss Confederacy began as a late medieval alliance between the communities of the valleys in the Central Alps, at the time part of the Holy Roman Empire, to facilitate the management of common interests such as free trade and to ensure the peace along the important trade routes through the mountains. The Hohenstaufen emperors had granted these valleys reichsfrei status in the early 13th century.
University of Basel is founded in the Swiss Confederacy
The Old Swiss Confederacy began as a late medieval alliance between the communities of the valleys in the Central Alps, at the time part of the Holy Roman Empire, to facilitate the management of...
Events Before
Fra Mauro completes his Map of the World in Venice for King Alfonso V of Portugal - largest known world map from Medieva
Fra Mauro completes his Map of the World in Venice for King Alfonso V of Portugal - largest known world map from Medieval Europe and the first to show Africa as a free-standing continent [1]
Jodhpur, Sun City, founded by Rao Jodhpur in India
Jodhpur is the second-largest city of the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan, after its capital Jaipur. As of 2025, the city has a population of 1.6 million.
Pope Pius II opens the Council of Mantua to call for a new crusade against the Ottoman Empire - crusade never amounts t
Pope Pius II opens the Council of Mantua to call for a new crusade against the Ottoman Empire - crusade never amounts to much (Council disbanded January 1560)
Battle of Blore Heath in Staffordshire: an inferior Yorkist force defeats a larger Lancastrian force in a major battle o
Battle of Blore Heath in Staffordshire: an inferior Yorkist force defeats a larger Lancastrian force in a major battle of the English Wars of the Roses
Battle at Ludford Bridge: Richard of York defeated
The Rout of Ludford Bridge was a largely bloodless confrontation fought in the early years of the Wars of the Roses. It took place on 12 October 1459, and resulted in a setback for the Yorkists.
Events After
Ming Dynasty Chinese military general Cao Qin stages a coup against the Tianshun Emperor
The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty.
Empire of Trebizond surrenders to forces of Sultan Mehmed II, the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire to fall; Emperor
Empire of Trebizond surrenders to forces of Sultan Mehmed II, the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire to fall; Emperor David is exiled and later executed
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lan
Battle of Mortimer's Cross: in a major battle of the War of the Roses Yorkist army of Edward, Earl of March, defeats Lancaster force led by Jasper Tudor
Alfonso ed Espina, bishop of Osma, urges for an Inquisition in Spain
Alfonso ed Espina, bishop of Osma, urges for an Inquisition in Spain
Astronomer Regiomontanus returns with Cardinal Basilios Bessarion to his house in Rome, home to one of largest libraries
Astronomer Regiomontanus returns with Cardinal Basilios Bessarion to his house in Rome, home to one of largest libraries in Europe
More from the 1460s
Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold marries third wife English Princess Margaret of York
Margaret of York (3 May 1446 – 23 November 1503), also known as Margaret of Burgundy, was Duchess of Burgundy from 1468 to 1477 as the third wife of Charles the Bold, and after his death (1477) acted...
Ming Dynasty Chinese military general Cao Qin stages a coup against the Tianshun Emperor
The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty.
Empire of Trebizond surrenders to forces of Sultan Mehmed II, the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire to fall; Emperor
Empire of Trebizond surrenders to forces of Sultan Mehmed II, the last remnant of the Byzantine Empire to fall; Emperor David is exiled and later executed
Crown prince Fernando of Aragon (17) marries heir Princess Isabella of Castile (18), will unite the two Spanish crowns (
Crown prince Fernando of Aragon (17) marries heir Princess Isabella of Castile (18), will unite the two Spanish crowns (not officially one country till 1707-16)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on April 4, 1460?
- The Old Swiss Confederacy began as a late medieval alliance between the communities of the valleys in the Central Alps, at the time part of the Holy Roman Empire, to facilitate the management of common interests such as free trade and to ensure the peace along the important trade routes through the mountains. The Hohenstaufen emperors had granted these valleys reichsfrei status in the early 13th century.
- Why is University of Basel is founded in the Swiss Confederacy historically important?
- The Hohenstaufen emperors had granted these valleys reichsfrei status in the early 13th century.