1560s

The 1560s was a decade marked by significant political, religious, and social developments across the globe. In Europe, the decade saw the continuation of the Protestant Reformation, with events such as the Scottish Reformation leading to the establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland. France experienced further religious turmoil and conflict, including the Wars of Religion. England, under Queen Elizabeth I, navigated its own religious settlements and faced threats from abroad.

The Ottoman Empire remained a dominant force, with ongoing campaigns and diplomatic engagements. In the Americas, Spanish colonization continued, with exploration and settlement expanding. The decade also witnessed significant maritime activity and the beginnings of more widespread European exploration.

Scientific inquiry was slowly advancing, with figures like Tycho Brahe making astronomical observations. In art and culture, the Renaissance continued to flourish, with notable achievements in painting, sculpture, and literature in various European centers. The decade was a period of transition, laying groundwork for future political and religious alignments, and reflecting evolving understandings of the world.