1668

1668 was a year in the Gregorian calendar that witnessed notable political, cultural, and scientific developments across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. In Europe, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles II of Spain declared war on the Dutch Republic, escalating tensions that would culminate in the Second Anglo-Dutch War the following year. Meanwhile, the Republic of Venice negotiated a truce with the Ottoman Empire, establishing a fragile peace that allowed both powers to focus on internal reforms.

In the British colonies, the colony of New Amsterdam (present‑day New York City) was incorporated into the Dutch West India Company’s territorial holdings after the conclusion of the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1667. The year also saw the completion of the Dutch painter Jan Andries de Wit's series of landscape paintings that would influence the development of Dutch Golden Age art.

Science and technology progressed in 1668. The French astronomer Jean Picard measured the diameter of the Earth with greater precision by observing the transit of Mercury across the sun. In England, the mathematician Isaac Newton began his work on the binomial theorem, which later became foundational to his laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Key births include English dramatist John Dryden (born on February 19), French painter Charles Le Brun (born on February 21), and Spanish naval officer Pedro del Castillo (born on March 13). Significant deaths were the Dutch naval officer Lieutenant-Commander Adriaen Havens (died May 27) and the Italian composer Girolamo Frescobaldi (died July 13).

Cultural events continued in 1668 with the premiere of William Shakespeare’s play "King John" by the King's Company at the Theatre Royal, which provided audiences an exploration of royal succession and political intrigue. The year’s diplomatic treaties and artistic achievements collectively reflect a period of transition and intellectual growth in the 17th century.