On This Day

Events in History in 1494

  • Jan 1 Juw Dekama elected potentate of Frisia
  • Jan 6 The first Mass in the New World is celebrated at La Isabela, Hispaniola
  • Jan 25 Alfonso II succeeds his father as king of Naples

DiscoveryVoyage of Discovery

May 5 On 2nd voyage to New World Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica, landing at Discovery Bay

Explorer of the New World Christopher Columbus
Explorer of the New World
Christopher Columbus

Agreement of InterestTreaty of Tordesillas

Jun 7 Treaty of Tordesillas: Spain and Portugal divide the new world along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa

Learn More
Front page of the Portuguese-owned treaty
Front page of the Portuguese-owned treaty
Learn More
  • Nov 8 Uprising against Piero de' Medici in Florence Italy
  • Nov 9 Piero the Unfortunate of the de' Medici family, ruler of Florence, loses his power and flees the state
  • Nov 18 French King Charles VIII occupies Florence

Search the world's largest, most accurate site for today in history.