Maximilian I (above), Holy Roman Emperor and founder of the 400-year Habsburg dynasty, died today in 1519. He was violently opposed to Luther’s movement against indulgences which arose in his domains, but his death came before he had time to squash it. In a case of epically good (or bad, if you were a Catholic) timing, the political machinations over the choice of Maximilian’s successor tied up the Pope and emperor for two crucial years while Protestantism spread like fire.
Today became 12 January, skipping recklessly over 10 unused days, when Switzerland, in 1701, became the first Protestant country to take on the Gregorian calendar.
Thirty-eight Lollards, followers of the anti-Catholic heretic John Wyclif, were executed today in 1414 for their part in John Oldcastle’s attempt to overthrow the English King.
Image: Kunsthistorisches Museum