When historians talk about the 17th century, they mean the 1600s: the hundred years from January 1, 1601 through December 31, 1700. This naming system confuses people at first because the numbers don't match. The first century meant years 1 through 100, so the second century covered years 101 through 200, and this pattern continues forward. By the time you reach the 17th century, you're in the 1600s.

The 17th century was a pivotal time in history. In Europe, scientists like Galileo and Newton made breakthrough discoveries about how the universe works. England experienced a civil war and executed its king. Meanwhile, European colonists were establishing settlements in North America, including Plymouth and Jamestown. The Taj Mahal was built in India. In Japan, the Tokugawa shogunate brought peace after centuries of warfare.

Understanding centuries helps you organize history in your mind. When you read that Shakespeare wrote his plays in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, you know that means the late 1500s and early 1600s. When someone mentions that Bach composed music in the 18th century, you can place him in the 1700s.

We're currently living in the 21st century, which started on January 1, 2001 and will end on December 31, 2100.