The 16th century one of the most tumultuous periods in Western culture - primarily due to the Protestant Reformation.
Was a time of unprecedented change that saw the very beginning of the modern era of science, great exploration, religious and political turmoil, extraordinary literature, the High Renaissance and Mannerism.
This period also sees the beginnings of the scientific revolution and the colonization of the new world.
During the 16th century, advancements were also made in the theories of mathematics, cosmography, geography, and natural history.
In this century inventions related to the fields of engineering, mining, navigation, and the military arts were prominent.