Gutenberg and his time
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Introduction
The 15th century marks the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times. Profound changes took place in almost all areas of human coexistence. Dangerous, long voyages of discovery by the Spanish and Portuguese opened up new worlds, while in Europe, the Old World, the political balance of power was completely transformed.
Technical innovation, a significant increase in literacy even outside monastic walls, ecclesiastical reform efforts, an initial flowering of humanist thought, and new approaches in the visual arts characterized Johannes Gutenberg's century, which was so rich in contradictions, as did terrible inquisitions and numerous, ongoing wars across the continent.
Only against the backdrop of this period of upheaval can Johannes Gutenberg's invention ultimately be understood. The timeline for the 15th century therefore aims to provide the reader with an overview of the political and cultural developments of this period. Further information about the life and work of the inventor can then be found in a condensed compilation of the most important data and facts or in the detailed article on Gutenberg and his time.