Art and Culture:
* Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): A true Renaissance man, da Vinci excelled as an artist, scientist, inventor, and engineer. His iconic works include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
* Michelangelo (1475-1564): A sculptor, painter, architect, and poet, Michelangelo is known for his masterpieces like David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the Pietà.
* Raphael (1483-1520): Renowned for his beautiful Madonnas and frescoes in the Vatican, Raphael is considered one of the High Renaissance masters.
* Donatello (1386-1466): A sculptor who revolutionized the art of realism, Donatello created iconic works like David and St. George.
* Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510): Known for his graceful style and iconic paintings like The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
* Jan van Eyck (1390-1441): A pioneering figure in Northern Renaissance painting, known for his exquisite detail and use of oil paint.
* Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468): Developed the printing press, revolutionizing communication and knowledge dissemination.
Science and Exploration:
* Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543): Polish astronomer who challenged the geocentric model of the universe with his heliocentric theory.
* Christopher Columbus (1451-1506): Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic, leading to the discovery of the Americas for Europe.
* Vasco da Gama (1469-1524): Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea.
* Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521): Portuguese explorer who led the first circumnavigation of the globe.
Politics and Religion:
* Joan of Arc (1412-1431): French peasant girl who led the French army to victory against the English in the Hundred Years' War.
* Henry VII (1457-1509): First Tudor monarch of England, he ended the Wars of the Roses and established a strong monarchy.
* Isabella I (1451-1504) and Ferdinand II (1452-1516): Queen and King of Spain, responsible for the Spanish Reconquista and the patronage of Christopher Columbus.
* Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492): Italian statesman and patron of the arts, often considered the "Magnificent," he shaped the cultural landscape of Florence.
* Pope Sixtus IV (1414-1484): Patron of the arts and a key figure in the Renaissance.
This list only represents a few of the many notable figures who lived in the 15th century. It was a period of immense change and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the course of history.