1514

Selim I the Grim, who with janissary support, dethroned his father in 1512, relies on his cannon to defeat Sah Ismail at the battle of Caldiran, conquers Tabriz, secures his left flank for the subsequent advance into Egypt, and returns to Istanbul with enormous war booty as well as large numbers of Persian artists and craftsmen.

1516-1518

In lightning campaigns marked by the continued superiority of Ottoman field artillery, Selim I completes the conquest of Eastern Anatolia, Northern Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and the Hicaz.

1519-1522

Portuguese Magellan circumnavigates the world.

1520

Luther launches attack on Roman church.

1521

The capture of Belgrade marks the second year of the long reign of Suleyman I the Magnificent (1520-1566). He resumes the westward drive towards the rich markets and trade crossroads of Central Europe.

1522

The capture of Rhodes, a manifestation of rising Ottoman naval power.

1526

Ottoman firepower destroys the flower of the Hungarian nobility at the battle of Mohacs; the conquest of Buda and Peşte follows. That same year, François I appeals to Suleyman, who agrees to provide military and economic assistance to France against the Hapsburgs in order to help restore the balance of power in Europe.