French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist (1596–1650). René Descartes was born on 31 March 1596 in what is now France. René Descartes is remembered as a philosopher, mathematician and musicologist, a citizen of France. Notable works include “Discourse on the Method”, “La Géométrie” and “The Description of the Human Body”. Positions held included professor.
Before and after
- 2 February 1594Death of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
- June 1594Birth of Nicolas Poussin
- 1595Construction of Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- 28 January 1596Death of Francis Drake
- 31 March 1596Birth of René Descartes
- from June 1597 to August 1597Islands Voyage
- from 18 October 1597 to 15 November 1597Third Spanish Armada
- from 1598 to 1613Time of Troubles
- 13 April 1598Edict of Nantes
More in Art, literature & culture
- 1 January 1519Origins of Reformed Christianity
- 1605Publication of Don Quixote
- 1652Origins of Quakers
- from 1660 to 1725Rise of Classicism
- from c. 1730s to 1780sRise of Rococo
- 1759Construction of British Museum
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 16th century.