1452
RenaissanceIdeas
Leonardo is born
In the Tuscan hills, a child begins a life that will dissolve the border between art and science.
1452 — Today / Interactive archive
Time,
connected.
Follow the invisible threads linking art, computation, exploration, and freedom across five remarkable centuries.
01
1503
RenaissanceArt
A portrait begins
Leonardo starts work on the Mona Lisa, carrying the painting with him for years as it slowly evolves.
1815
IndustrialPeople
Ada Lovelace is born
The daughter of a poet will grow to see machines not as calculators, but as engines of imagination.
1843
IndustrialIdeas
The first algorithm
Ada’s notes on the Analytical Engine include a method now regarded as the first published computer program.
1918
ModernPeople
Nelson Mandela is born
Rolihlahla Mandela is born in Mvezo, South Africa, into the Thembu royal family.
1964
ModernCourage
Prepared to die
At the Rivonia Trial, Mandela articulates a democratic ideal that will echo around the world.
1969
ModernExploration
Humans reach the Moon
Apollo 11 lands on the Moon, turning an ancient dream into a shared human memory.
1994
ModernFreedom
A democratic dawn
South Africa holds its first fully democratic election and Mandela becomes president.