Beginning with Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” in 1517, the Protestant Reformation was a period of religious reform as the Catholic Church grew more powerful, wealthy and corrupt. New denominations of Christianity would emerge with a heavier focus on spirituality.

The history of engagement rings used to declare a man’s intent to marry a woman was officially recognized in 850 A.D. by Pope Nicholas I. The first diamond engagement ring was commissioned by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477.

Portuguese turned Spanish explorer, Ferdinand Magellan set sail with funding from the King of Spain to find a quick and lucrative route to the Spice Islands. After traversing the Atlantic Ocean and discovering the Pacific Ocean, Magellan died suddenly, leaving his crew to finish the circumnavigation.

The industrial revolution in Britain started with the steam engine and other innovations in engineering and manufacturing, leading many to urbanize and work long, dangerous hours in factories. With the rise of industrialization in Great Britain, a wealth divide between the low, middle and upper classes emerged.

The Eiffel Tower was built by bridge builder and architect Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair and was the tallest structure in the world at the time. It was almost deconstructed twice but found purpose in broadcasting and tourism.

The Loch Ness Monster, a piece of Scottish folklore that locals and tourists have posited since the story was first recorded in the sixth century. In 1934, Robert Kenneth Wilson took the infamous picture of an unknown animal in the loch, leading to further speculation, mystery and myth.

The age of exploration inspired many mariners to search for the Northwest Passage, which was believed to be a viable shipping route from the west to Asia. It would take more than 300 years and many mistaken Asian landfalls, mutinies, and the lives of sailors before the route was successfully traversed.