1604

1604 (MDCIV) was a leap year in the Julian calendar, part of the early 17th century. It occurred during a period of ongoing political, religious, and cultural transformations that shaped much of Europe and the wider world.

In Europe, the era was defined by wars and shifting alliances characteristic of the later phases of the broader conflicts between European powers. Notably, James VI of Scotland had become James I of England the previous year, uniting the crowns and affecting governance across the British Isles. The Eighty Years’ War between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Netherlands continued to influence politics and trade in Western Europe.

Culturally and scientifically, 1604 is associated with notable milestones. The Shakespearean tragedy Othello is generally dated to around this year, reflecting the ongoing flowering of English drama during the early Stuart period. In astronomy, the Great Comet of 1604 (C/1604 Q1) was observed by observers across Europe and Asia; it attracted attention and was studied by Johannes Kepler, contributing to contemporary discussions about celestial motion.

Globally, European exploration and commercial activity persisted, with expanding networks of trade and contact across the Atlantic and in Asia. These dynamics preceded later waves of colonization and deeper global interconnections that would intensify in the 17th century. The year 1604 thus sits within the transitional phase of the early modern world, marked by shifting monarchies, evolving scientific thought, and growing global exchange.