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1462: A Year of Conflict and Conquest

The year 1462 was a pivotal moment in European history, marked by conflict, conquest, and cultural achievements. The Julian calendar, which had been introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE, continued to govern the passage of time.

In Poland, Pope Pius II's appointment of Jakub of Sienno as bishop of Krakow sparked a conflict with King Casimir IV, who had chosen Jan Gruszczynski for the position. The Pope sent his legate, Archbishop Hieronymus Landus, to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, in Portugal, Diogo Afonso became the first European to discover the island of São Vicente (now part of Cabo Verde) on January 16th.

In Russia, Ivan III succeeded his father Vasili as ruler and began a new era for the country. He was crowned on March 27th, marking an important milestone in Russian history. In Constantinople, Uskup Antony Kokkas became the new Patriarch Ekumenik Konstantinopel, succeeding the late Patriarch Isidore II.

In Europe, Matthias Corvinus and Frederick III came to an agreement regarding the return of the Crown of St. Stephen, a symbol of Hungarian royalty. The Pope also issued a papal bull, Cum almam nostram urbem, which prohibited the destruction or removal of ancient ruins in Rome and its surrounding areas.

The Ottoman Empire continued its expansion, with Mehmed II conquering the Greek island of Lesbos on September 15th after a 14-day attack by sea and land. The Spanish conquest of Gibraltar was also completed during this year, marking an important milestone for the Kingdom of Castile.

In Catalonia, the Remensas War reached its most violent stage, while the Catalan Civil War began in 1462 and lasted until 1472. Henry IV of Castilla offered the title of Prince of Catalonia to the General of Catalonia, but it was not accepted.

The Portuguese Pedro Da Cintra discovered the coast of Sierra Leone and gave his current name to the region. The presence of Gypsies in Andalusia (Jaén) was first documented during this year. John II of Aragon ceded the Rosellon and Cerdaña to France in exchange for military aid.

In literature, Leonardo da Vinci was named alongside several Florentine painters from Saint Jesus. Notable births included Juana la Beltraneja,