- Jan 6 Emperor Frederik III becomes archduke of Austria
- Apr 21 Turkish fleet sinks ships Golden Receiver in Constantinople
- May 29 Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire falls to the Turks under Mehmed II; ends the Byzantine Empire
- May 29 French banker Jacques Coeur's possessions confiscated
- Jul 4 41 Jewish martyrs burned at stake at Breslau
- Jul 17 Battle of Castillon: French army beats English force under Talbot, turning point of the Hundred Years' War
Battle at Gavere
Jul 23 Battle at Gavere: Philip the Good beats Gentse rebellion
- Oct 19 French retake Bordeaux following the Battle of Castillon