1550s

The 1550s was a decade that started on 1 January 1550 and ended on 31 December 1559.

It is distinct from the decade known as the 156th decade which began on January 1, 1551 and ended on December 31, 1560.

 Events 
 Helsinki founded in Finland.
 Rule of Bloody Mary, or Mary I of England from 1553 to 1558.
 São Paulo founded in Brazil. 
 Religious wars continue in Europe.
 Russia breaks peace with Sweden by attacking Finland. 
 The Shaanxi Earthquake, the deadliest earthquake in history.

 Births 
 Sarsa Dengel, Emperor of Ethiopia
 King Sebastian of Portugal
 Nurhaci, Chinese founder of the Qing Dynasty 

 Deaths 
 Tabinshwehti, King of Burma
 Edward VI, King of England 
 Ignatius of Loyola, Spanish founder of the Jesuit priests