1580s

The 1580s started on 1 January 1580 and ended on 31 December 1589.

It is distinct from the decade known as the 159th decade which began on January 1, 1581 and ended on December 31, 1690.

• Khorasan Wars were fought between Abbas the Great and his father king Mohammed Khodabandeh in 1580
• The beginnings of the 'Golden Age' of Literature in England
• Sir Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony in 1583
• Francis Drake had come back from going around the world, bringing back with him many treasures.

• Mary, Queen of Scots (b. 1542)