Dossier №254

1,999 AD

The euro begins operating as an electronic currency across participating European Union states.

This question uses 1999 AD as its sourced chronological anchor.

Notes and coins followed three years later, creating a shared currency for hundreds of millions of Europeans.

1,494 AD

Spain and Portugal sign a treaty dividing newly claimed overseas lands between them.

This question uses 1494 AD as its sourced chronological anchor.

The Treaty of Tordesillas drew an imperial line across territories whose inhabitants had no part in the agreement.

1,501 AD

Shah Ismail I captures Tabriz and proclaims the Safavid state in Iran.

This question uses 1501 AD as its sourced chronological anchor.

The dynasty made Twelver Shiism a state religion and created a durable imperial rival to the Ottomans.

550 BC

Cyrus the Great defeats the Median ruler and establishes Achaemenid power.

This question uses 550 BC as its sourced chronological anchor.

Through conquest and negotiated rule, the Persian Empire grew into a vast multilingual state spanning much of western Asia.

1,200 AD

An Inca polity begins developing around Cusco in the central Andes.

This question uses 1200 AD as its sourced chronological anchor.

Centuries later its rulers built Tawantinsuyu, but origin traditions and archaeology point to a much smaller early community.