Historical Figure
Johannes Gutenberg
d. 1468
German inventor and craftsman (c. 1393–1406 – 1468)
Talk to Johannes Gutenberg
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Key Dates
Death
1468 February 3, 1468 →Biography
Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg was a German inventor and craftsman who invented the movable-type printing press. Though movable type was already in use in East Asia, Gutenberg's invention of the printing press enabled a much faster rate of printing. The printing press later spread across the world, and led to an information revolution and the unprecedented mass-spread of literature throughout Europe. It had a profound impact on the development of the Renaissance, Reformation, and humanist movements.
Timeline
More from the Late Medieval
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Johannes Gutenberg's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.