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529
the Order of the Benedictines
Group known as the black monks who worshipped St. Benedict. Taught children how to read and write, understand/speak latin, and read the bible. This group provided a complete directory for both government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery by carefully integrating prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine. Set an example for future monasteries. -
Oct 10, 732
Battle of Tours
This was the last Muslim conquest north into Europe. Frankish forces, under the command of Charles Martel were able to hold off the Umayyad Caliphate from entering what is not present day France and Germany. If the Muslims were able to break through and win the Battle of Tours, Islam could have been the major faith in Europe not Christianity. Moreover, Europe could have developed under Muslim rule which would have completely changed European history. -
Dec 25, 800
the Coronation of Charlemagne
Charlemagne was greatly known for protecting The Pope, who controlled the Western Roman Empire, from the rivaling Eastern Roman Empire. The Pope crowned Charlemagne, which gave his rule religious legitimacy. Furthermore, it meant that he was equal in power to the emperor if the Eastern Roman Empire. This is significant because a close connection between religious and secular power was created in Europe, which lasted until the end of the Middle Ages. -
1076
Investiture Controversy
This was a dispute in the 1000's between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Gregorian Papacy concerning who would control appointments of church officials (investiture). This event is significant because localized rights of lordship over peasants grew, increasing serfdom and resulting in fewer rights for the population, and the rights of justice became localized and courts did not have to answer to royal authority. Lastly, the Papacy gained strength, and more people became involved with the church. -
1096
The First Crusade
The First Crusade was a joint expedition by Christendom in Europe with the aim of "liberating" the Holy Land from the Turks and other small Islamic sultanates who had taken it over in the past four centuries. It was important because it helped to decide which religion (Christianity or Islam) would control the Holy land (Israel). Jerusalem was important because the Christian Messiah Jesus Christ was born there. Ultimately, The First Crusade paved the way for the next three crusades to occur. -
1202
The Fourth Crusade
The Fourth Crusade was a Latin Christian armed expedition called by Pope Innocent III. This expeditions objective was to recapture the Muslim-controlled city of Jerusalem, by first conquering the Egyptian Ayyubid Sultanate, which was the strongest Muslim nation then. As a result, there was a definitive ideological split between Catholic Europe and Orthodox Christianity, and this division was never healed. Orthodox countries refused to participate on various reform movements coming from the West. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was a document that guaranteed individual, religious, and political rights for all people. It set down rights which became part of English law and which are now the foundation of the constitution of all countries which speak English. It did not grant any new rights, but it did protect existing rights in writing. Religiously, it allowed people to practice freely without fear or persecution. -
Period: 1309 to 1377
Avignon Papacy
Avignon Papacy is described as the period wherein seven successive popes were from Avignon, France rather from the traditional home, Rome. The importance of Avignon Papacy is that, it improved much of the organization of the Church, which established major offices that is still operating until the present. They also supported missionary activity as well as scholarship and arts. -
1420
The Beginning of the Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance was a time of rebirth in literature, art, and culture. Many of the scientific, artistic and cultural achievements of the so-called Renaissance do share common themes–most notably the humanistic belief that man was the center of his own universe. During this time, science and religion became wrapped up in numerous arguments, because the bible said one thing, but facts said another. Many famous scientists were persecuted for going against the church with their beliefs. -
Oct 31, 1517
Publication of the Ninety-Five Theses
The 95 theses, written by martin luther, widely were regarded as the primary catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. It advocated for the disputation protests against clerical abuses, especially the sale of indulgences. Luther's Theses became a declaration of independence from Papal authority in Northern Europe, around which rallied enormous changes (both religious and social), such as the rejection of Papal rule over much of Europe, the decline of feudalism, and the rise of commercialism.
