Christopher Marlowe A Brief Chronology

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was born in Canterbury on February 6, 1564. Marlowe was an Elizabethan poet and dramatist. Some critics believe that Christopher Marlowe wrote the plays of William Shakespeare. He wrote The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, Dido, Tamburlaine, The Jew of Malta "Hero and Leander," and other works. At 29, he was killed in a tavern brawl. Discover more about Christopher Marlowe's life and works with this brief chronology.

1564 Christopher Marlowe was born in Canterbury. His father was a shoemaker.

1580 Christopher Marlowe was awarded a Matthew Parker scholarship, and entered Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

1584 Christopher Marlowe received a B.A. degree. He apparently undertook his first assignment as a secret agent (spy).

1587 Christopher Marlowe took a M.A. degree.

1587 "Tamburlaine the Great" appeared in print. Christopher Marlowe went to London, where he became a dramatist and actor.

1588 "Dr. Faustus" appeared in print.

1589 "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" appeared in print. "The Jew of Malta" also appeared.

1592 "Edward II" appeared in print. He wrote a Latin elegy in memory of Sir Roger Manwood.

1593 Christopher Marlowe was arrested by the Privy Council. He was stabbed to death in a tavern brawl.

1598 "Hero and Leander," a long poem, appeared. The poem was finished by George Chapman.