TIMELINE of Christian Theology – All

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B.C. | A.D. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st

All Events

A.D. 1215

4th Lateran council(A.D. 1215) The fourth Lateran council meeting at Rome establishes the medieval sacramental system, including the obligation of private confession and... more & the Sacraments

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A.D. 1217

Fifth Crusade(A.D. 1217) The Fifth Crusade begins, involving mostly Hungarian and Austrian forces who invaded Egypt and achieved little. more

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c. A.D. 1225-1274

Thomas Aquinas(c. A.D. 1225-1274) Dominican friar, teacher at the University of Paris, central figure of medieval scholasticism, and the most authoritative theologi... more

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A.D. 1228

Sixth Crusade(A.D. 1228) Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire, after being excommunicated for not supporting previous crusader campaigns, achieves unexpec... more

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(A.D. 1229)

Council of Toulouse(A.D. 1229) A council called to address a growing neo-gnostic movement in southern France known as the Albigensians. The council concluded that nobody... more

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c. A.D. 1230–1303

Boniface VIII(c. A.D. 1230–1303) Boniface VIII was Pope from A.D. 1294 until his death in 1303. He became Pope upon the resignation of Pope Celestine V, which ca... more

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A.D. 1232

Medieval InquisitionThe first of the primary inquisitions was the medieval, which began in 13th century). more

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A.D. 1240

Kievan Rus End(A.D. 1240) The Kievan Rus fall to invading Mongolian armies. more

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A.D. 1241

Gunpowder Introduced to Europe(A.D. 1241) The Mongols likely introduce Europeans to gunpowder-based weaponry in the Battle of Mohi against the Kingdom of Hungary. more

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A.D. 1248

Seventh Crusade(A.D. 1248) King Louis the IX of France organizes a Seventh Crusade against Egypt, is defeated in battle, captured, and ransomed. more

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A.D. 1256

Thomas Aquinas begins teaching(A.D. 1256) Thomas Aquinas begins teaching at the University of Paris. more

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A.D. 1258

Mongols Conquer Middle East(A.D. 1258) The Islamic Golden Age ends as Mongolian armies destroy Baghdad and conquer Mesopotamia, the northern portion of the Levant and portions o... more

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c. A.D. 1260

Mongolian Empire Fragments(c. A.D. 1260) The Mongolian Empire begins to fragment leaving behind the Golden Horde in the northwestern portions of Central Asia and Eastern Europe... more

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c. A.D. 1260-1327

Meister EckhartMeister Eckhart (c. A.D. 1260-1327) Dominican priest and mystical theologian, the most prominent figure in German mysticism, whose teachings were unde... more

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c. A.D. 1264–1314

Clement V(c. A.D. 1264–1314) Clement V was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 1305 until his death in 1314. Pope Clement V abolished the Knights Templar and p... more

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A.D. 1265-1321

DanteDante Alighieri (A.D. 1265-1321) was the Italian poet and author of the Divine Comedy, an epic poem in which Dante portrays himself journeying through... more Alighieri

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c. A.D. 1266–1308

Duns ScotusJohn Duns Scotus (c. A.D. 1266–1308) was a Scottish theologian and scholastic who is considered one of the most important theologians of the Middle ... more

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A.D. 1270

Eighth Crusade(A.D. 1270) King Louis the IX of France organizes an Eighth Crusade which gets diverted to Tunisia, where his army is decimated by disease and King Lo... more

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A.D. 1271

Ninth Crusade(A.D. 1271) Prince Edward of England (future King Edward I) leads the Ninth Crusade into Syria where little is achieved, but a 10 year truce is reache... more

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A.D. 1271

Yuan Empire (China)(A.D. 1271) Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Kahn, formally establishes the Yuan dynasty and empire in China. more

A.D. 1271 Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Kahn, formally establishes the Yuan dynasty and empire in China. Please share if you found this post informative.

A.D. 1272–1274

Second Council of Lyons(A.D. 1272–1274) Convened by Pope Gregory X, this council addressed issues relating to the Crusades and temporarily achieved a union with the Easter... more

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c. A.D. 1275–1342

Marsilius of Padua(c. A.D. 1275–1342) Marsilius wrote the political treatise Defensor pacis in 1324 which contested Papal claims to political power and laid the found... more

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c. A.D. 1287–1347

William of OckhamWilliam of Ockham (c. A.D. 1287–1347) was an English Friar, theologian, and scholastic. He is best known for the logical principle, Occam’s Razor ... more

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A.D. 1296–1359

Gregory PalamasGregory Palamas (A.D. 1296–1359) Byzantine theologian, known for his articulation of characteristic Eastern Orthodox doctrines, especially the disti... more

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A.D. 1299

Ottoman Empire(A.D. 1299) Osman I unifies disparate and fractured kingdoms in Asia Minor and establishes the Ottoman Empire. more

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14th CENTURY

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A.D. 1302

Bull Unam SanctamIs the title of a bull issued by Boniface VIII (A.D. 1302) that declared the superiority of the pope over all powers (secular as well as spiritual) on... more

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A.D. 20 Jul 1304–19 Jul 1374

Francesco PetrarcaFrancesco Petrarca (A.D. 20 Jul 1304–19 Jul 1374) was an Italian scholar who is referred to as the founder of humanism. His rediscovery of Cicero's ... more

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A.D. 1309

Babylonian CaptivityThis phrase is used to describe three events: 1) the captivity of ancient Israel and exile to Babylon as related in the Old Testament; 2) the years wh... more II

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A.D. 1309–1377

Avignon Papacy(A.D. 1309–1377) The pope moves to resides in the French city of Avignon rather than Rome creating the period known as the “Babylonian Captivity... more

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A.D. 1310–1370

Urban V(A.D. 1310–1370) Urban V was Bishop of Rome and Pope from 1362 until his death in 1370. He was a Benedictine monk who continued his commitment to si... more

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A.D. 1318

Council of Olmutz(A.D. 1318) Decided that infants should be baptized soon after birth. (Canon 19). more

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A.D. 1330/31–Dec 1384

John WycliffeJohn Wycliffe (Wyckuffe) (A.D. 1330–31 Dec 1384) is regarded as the first Christian Reformer. He was instrumental in translating the Bible into... more

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A.D. 1335

Council of Salamanca(A.D. 1335) Reaffirmed Council of Olmutz decision that infants should be baptized soon after birth. (Canon 6) more

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A.D. 1337

Hundred Years’ War(A.D. 1337) The Hundred Years' War between the Plantagenet rulers of England and the Valois rulers of France regarding their respective claims to the ... more

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A.D. 1341–1504

Isabella(A.D. 1341–1504) Queen Isabella of Spain was married to Ferdinand II of Aragon and was renowned for her devotion to the Catholic Church. more

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c. A.D. 1342–1400

Gregory ChaucerGregory Chaucer (c. A.D. 1342–1400) wrote the influential The Canterbury Tales that tell the story of stock characters from the three different esta... more

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A.D. 1347

Black Plague(A.D. 1347) The Black Plague reaches Europe from the Silk Road killing anywhere from 30% to 60% of Europe’s population over the course of 5 years, a... more

A.D. 1347 The Black Plague(A.D. 1347) The Black Plague(A.D. 1347) The Black Plague reaches Europe from the Silk Road killing anywhere from 30% to 60% of Europe’s population over the course of 5 years, a... more reaches Europe from the Silk Road(c. 130 B.C.) The Silk Road is established as the Han Dynasty in China as they extend their overland trade routes further west and connect directly to... more killing anywhere from 30% to 60% of Europe’s population over the course of 5 years, a... more reaches Europe from the Silk Road(c. 130 B.C.) The Silk Road(c. 130 B.C.) The Silk Road is established as the Han Dynasty in China as they extend their overland trade routes further west and connect directly to... more is established as the Han Dynasty in China as they extend their overland trade routes further west and connect directly to... more killing anywhere from 30% to 60% of Europe’s population over the course of 5 years, and outbreaks would periodically recur over the next 400 years. Please share if you found this post informative.

c. A.D. 1350

European Renaissance(c. A.D. 1350) The Renaissance begins in Italy after the highly disruptive Black Plague, renewing interest in the arts, culture, humanism, and classic... more

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A.D. 1364–c. 1430

Christine de Pisan(A.D. 1364–c. 1430) Christine de Pisan was a prominent medieval writer from Italy who was raised in the French court. She wrote poetry, ballads, epi... more

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A.D. 1368

Ming Empire(A.D. 1368) The Yuan dynasty falls to rebellion and the Ming dynasty assumes control of Imperial China, restoring native Han rule in place of Mongolia... more

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A.D. 1369–6 July 1415

Jan HussJan Hus (A.D. 1369–6 July 1415), also known as Iohannes Hus and Johannes Huss was a Czech theologian, philosopher, scholar, and religious leader is ... more

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A.D. 1378–1417

Great Schismrefers to the period between A.D. 1378 and 1417 when multiple individuals claimed to be the rightful pope, which ended with the Council of Constance. more

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c. 1,392 B.C.

Middle Assyrian Empire(c. 1,392 B.C.) The Middle Assyrian Empire begins, during which Assyria reasserts itself in northern Mesopotamia. more

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15th CENTURY

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A.D. 1409

Council of Pisa(A.D. 1409) A controversial council which attempted to end the Western Schism by convening a College of Cardinals composed of members appointed by bot... more

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A.D. 1414–1418

Council of Constance(A.D. 1414 – 1418) This council was held between 1414 and 1418 that finally ended the Great Schism. The council deposed two of the three popes and a... more ends the Great Schismrefers to the period between A.D. 1378 and 1417 when multiple individuals claimed to be the rightful pope, which ended with the Council of Constance. more

A.D. 1414–1418 The Council of Constance(A.D. 1414 – 1418) This council was held between 1414 and 1418 that finally ended the Great Schismrefers to the period between A.D. 1378 and 1417 when multiple individuals claimed to be the rightful pope, which ended with the Council of Constance. more. The council deposed two of the three popes and a... more ends the Great Schismrefers to the period between A.D. 1378 and 1417 when multiple individuals claimed to be the rightful popeThe Roman Catholic bishop of Rome who is regarded as the successor of the chief apostle, Peter, and as the Vicar of Christ is the holder of the Aposto... more, which ended with the Council of Constance(A.D. 1414 – 1418) This council was held between 1414 and 1418 that finally ended the Great Schism. The council deposed two of the three popes and a... more. more of rival popes by appointing a new popeThe Roman Catholic bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where th... more of Rome who is regarded as the successor of the chief apostle, PeterPeter (c. A.D. 1–65) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles. Peter was a critical witness to many events in Jesus’ l... more, and as the Vicar of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installi... more is the holder of the Aposto... more,…

A.D. 1415–1471

Sir Thomas Malary(A.D. 1415–1471) The author of Le Morte d’Arthur, the most comprehensive treatment of the legend of King Arthur giving insights to medieval societ... more

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c. A.D. 1422–1491

William Caxton(c. A.D. 1422–1491) William Caxton is frequently considered to be the person who introduced the printing press into England. He set up his press in ... more

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A.D. 1 Jan 1431–8 Aug 1503

Alexander VI(A.D. 1 Jan 1431–8 Aug 1503) Born Roderic Borgia and became pope on August 11, 1492. Considered one of the most corrupt popes for nepotism and fathe... more

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A.D. 1437

Council of Baslea council held in Basle in 1437 near the end of the Great Schism that highlighted the power struggle between popes and counsels. It involved a dispute... more

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A.D 1438–1445

Council of Ferrara-Florence(A.D 1438–1445) This council sought to reunify the Eastern and Western churches. It ended with success as the Greek delegation accepted several crit... more

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A.D. 1439

Gutenberg Printing Press(A.D. 1439) Gutenberg introduces movable type to Europe, accelerating the cultural and social revolutions of the Renaissance. more

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A.D. 1439

Council of Florence defines sacraments(A.D. 1439) The Council of Florence further defines the medieval sacramental system specifies all seven sacraments. more

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A.D. 1452–1498

Girolamo Savonarola(A.D. 1452–1498) Girolamo Savonarola was a Dominican friar in Florence who fought against clerical corruption, tyrannical rule, and oppression of th... more

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A.D. 1453

Eastern Roman Empire Ends(A.D. 1453) Ottoman forces capture Byzantium, and the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire finally ends. more

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A.D. 1453

Turks invade Constantinople(A.D. 1453) Constantinople falls to the Turks, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Turkish threat to Western Europe. more

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A.D. 1455

Printing Press(A.D. 1455) Johannes Gutenberg inaugurates the era of the printing press by publishing the first printed Bible. more

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A.D. 1462

Russia Emerges(A.D. 1462) Ivan III (also known as Ivan the Great) assumes power in Moscow. During his approximately 40 year rule, he dramatically expanded the terri... more

A.D. 1462 Ivan III (also known as Ivan the Great) assumes power in Moscow. During his approximately 40 year rule, he dramatically expanded the territory subject to his rule, uniting the Rus lands, defeating the Golden Horde thereby ending their dominance over the Rus, and laying the foundation of the Russian state. Please share if you found this post informative.

A.D. 1463–1494

Giovanni Pico(A.D. 1463–1494) Giovanni Pico della Mirandola was an Italian philosopher during the Italian Renaissance. He famously drafted 900 theses on religion... more

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A.D. 1463–1525

Frederick the WiseFrederick III (A.D. 1463–1525) was an Elector from Saxony who famously protected Martin Luther from the Holy Roman Emperor, the Pope, and others. Al... more

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A.D. 1465–1519

Johann Tetzel(A.D. 1465–1519) Johann Tetzel was a German preacher, theologian, and inquisitor who became infamous for his unscrupulous practices in selling indul... more

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A.D. 28 Dec 1466–12 Jul 1536

Desiderius Erasmus(A.D. 28 Dec 1466–12 Jul 1536) Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus is often referred to as the Prince of the Humanists. He was renowned as the greatest s... more

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A.D. 1468–1549

Paul III(A.D. 1468–1549) Paul III was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 1534 until his death in 1549. During his reign, the counterreformation flourished, a... more

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A.D. 1469–1492

Lorenzo de MediciLorenzo de Medici (A.D. 1469–1492) was an Italian banker and statesman in the Republic of Florence. He became the de facto ruler of Florence and use... more

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A.D. 1469–1534

Cardinal Cajetan(A.D. 1469–1534) Thomas Cajetan was an Italian philosopher and theologian who served as Cardinal from A.D. 1517 until his death. Cardinal Cajetan wa... more

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A.D. 1473–1543

Nicolaus CopernicusNicolaus Copernicus (A.D. 1473–1543) was a Polish Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who made an early contribution to the Scientific Revo... more

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A.D. 1475–1521

Leo X(A.D. 1475–1521) Leo X was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 1513 until his death in 1521. He was loose with papal finances and permitted the exchan... more

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A.D. 1478–1534

Clement VII(A.D. 1478–1534) Clement VII was Pope from A.D. 1523 until his death in 1534. Clement VII had the misfortune of being Pope during a highly contentio... more

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A.D. 1478

Pazzi Conspiracy(A.D. 1478) The Pazzi Conspiracy, where the pope (Sixtus IV) was part of the conspiracy to murder Lorenzo and Guiliano de Medici, but Lorenzo survives... more

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A.D. 1478

Spanish Inquisition(A.D. 1478) Ferdinand and Isabella begin the Spanish Inquisition to establish and maintain Catholic orthodoxy in the Iberian Peninsula. more

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A.D. 1483–1546

Martin Luther(A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known f... more

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A.D. 1484–1531

Ulrich ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, m... more

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A.D. 1485–1547

Hernan Cortes(A.D. 1485–1547) Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who toppled the Aztec Empire and conquered much of present-day Mexico for Spain. more

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A.D. 1485–1536

Catherine of Aragon(A.D. 1485–1536) Catherine of Aragon was the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. She married King Henry VIII of England but failed to produ... more

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A.D. 1486–1543

Johann Maier von Eck(A.D. 1486–1543) Johann Maier von Eck, also known as John Eck, was a Catholic German theologian. He was a theological opponent to Martin Luther and ... more

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A.D. 1486–1541

Andreas Karlstadt(A.D. 1486–1541) Andreas Karlstadt was a prominent German Protestant theologian. He was a close associate of Martin Luther but later parted from Lut... more

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A.D. 1489–1556

Thomas Cranmer(A.D. 1489–1556) Thomas Cranmer was instrumental in establishing the Church of England, supporting the principle of Royal Supremacy. He was critical... more

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c. A.D. 1490–1529

Karl von Miltitz(c. A.D. 1490–1529) Karl von Miltitz was a diplomat for the Pope, a papal nuncio, who sought to settle the indulgence controversy brought to a head ... more

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A.D. 1490–1545

Albert(A.D. 1490–1545) Albert of Brandenburn, the Archbishop of Mainz, was a central figure in the reformation. He abused the sale of indulgences to fund ... more of Brandenburn

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A.D. 26 Jun 1491–28 Jan 1547

Henry VIII(A.D. 26 Jun 1491–28 Jan 1547) Henry VIII became King of England in 1509. Initially he rejected the Protestant reformation movement and earned the t... more

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A.D. 1492

Christopher Columbus(A.D. 1492) After Ferdinand and Isabella complete the Christian reconquest of Iberia, Christopher Columbus begins his maritime voyage from Spain to re... more

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A.D. 1496–1560

King Gustavus Vasa(A.D. 1496–1560) Gustavus Vasa was King of Sweden from A.D. 1523 until his death in 1560. After a prolonged dispute with the Pope regarding the appo... more

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A.D. 1496–1561

Menno SimonsMenno Simons (A.D. 1496–1561) A former Catholic priest in Holland who became a leader in the Dutch and North German Anabaptist communities, which we... more

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A.D. 1497

Oratory of Divine Love(A.D. 1497) The Oratory of Divine Love is founded in Genoa. more is founded in Genoa

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A.D. 1497–1560

Philipp MelanchthonPhilipp Melanchthon (A.D. 1497–1560) German theologian, reformer, and professor at the University of Wittenberg, Martin Luther’s colleague and bes... more

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A.D. 1497

Vasco da Gama(A.D. 1497) Vasco da Gama begins his maritime voyage from Portugal to reach India and open up a direct trade route from Portugal and India more

A.D. 1497 Vasco da Gama(A.D. 1497) Vasco da Gama(A.D. 1497) Vasco da Gama begins his maritime voyage from Portugal to reach India and open up a direct trade route from Portugal and India more begins his maritime voyage from Portugal to reach India and open up a direct trade route from Portugal and India more begins his maritime voyage from Portugal to reach India and open up a direct trade route from Portugal and India. Please share if you found this post informative.

A.D. 1498–1552

Andreas OsianderAndreas Osiander (A.D. 1498–1552) Lutheran pastor, professor, and theologian, in whose doctrine of justification believers are united to the essenti... more

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c. A.D. 1499–1542

Sebastian FranckSebastian Franck (c. A.D. 1499–1542) Leading spiritualist theologian of the radical Reformation. more

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c. A.D. 1500–1536

Jakob Hutter(c. A.D. 1500–1536) Jakob Hutter was an Anabaptist from the Holy Roman Empire who went on to found the Hutterites, a present-day Anabaptist group wi... more

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A.D. 1500–1558

Charles V(A.D. 1500–1558) Charles V ruled over an extensive Empire, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Spain and it’s American territories, th... more

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A.D. 16th–18th centuries

Wars of Religion(A.D. 16th–18th centuries) European wars dealing primarily with religion fought intermittent throughout the 16th, 17th, & 18th centuries. more

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16th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 1501–1536

Anne Boleyn(c. A.D. 1501–1536) Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII. She refused to become his mistress, which caused him to increasingly fixate ... more

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A.D. 1502

Luther Bachelor’s degree(A.D. 1502) Luther obtains his Bachelor's degree at the University of Erfurt. more

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16th century

ReformationA revolutionary religious movement during the 16th century Europe that initially sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church but led to the emergence o... more

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A.D. 1503–1513

Julius II “the Terrifying”(A.D. 1503–1513) Reign of Pope Julius II who was called the "warrior pope" and "the Terrifying" ("il Terribile"). more

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A.D. 1503

Erasmus Christian Soldier(A.D. 1503) Erasmus’s Handbook of a Christian Soldier is published. more

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July 1505

Luther becomes a monk(July 1505) Following a vow made in a thunderstorm, Martin Luther joins the Observant Augustinians order and enters the monastery. more

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January 1505

Luther Master’s degree(January 1505) Luther receives his Master's degree from the University of Erfurt. more

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A.D. 1506

Indulgences(A.D. 1506) Pope Julius II lays the foundation of a new St. Peter’s basilica in the Vatican, which was funded in part by indulgences sold in Germany... more

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A.D. 1507–1582

Duke of Alva(A.D. 1507–1582) The Duke of Alva was a Spanish noble and general who was appointed governor of the Spanish Netherlands. His heavy handed methods in... more

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A.D. 1507

Luther becomes a priest(A.D. 1507) Luther is ordained a priest and says his first Mass. more

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A.D. 1508

Michelangelo(A.D. 1508) Pope Julius II commissions Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. more

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A.D. 1508

Luther visits Rome(A.D. 1508) Luther visits Rome and is disgusted by its corruption and decadence. He questions whether pilgrimages to Rome do any spiritual good. more

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A.D. 1509–1564

John CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Refor... more

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A.D. 1508

Luther a professor(A.D. 1508) Luther is appointed a professor at the University of Wittenberg. more

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A.D. 1511

Luther moves to Wittenberg(A.D. 1511) Luther moves from Erfurt to the University of Wittenberg. more

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c. A.D. 1511–1553

Michael ServetusMichael Servetus (c. A.D. 1511–1553) Anti trinitarian theologian, arrested and executed in Geneva on evidence Calvin presented. more

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A.D. 1513

Peasant Revolt(A.D. 1513) One in a series of German peasant revolts leading to the Great Peasants’ War of 1524–1525. more

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A.D. 1513–1521

Reign of Pope Leo X(A.D. 1513–1521) Reign of Pope Leo X. more

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A.D. 1513–24 Nov 1572

John KnoxJohn Knox (A.D. 1513–24 Nov 1572) Scottish minister who introduced Calvinist Reformed Protestant movement to Scotland, which became the Presbyterian... more

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A.D. 1513–1589

Michael BaiusMichael Baius (A.D. 1513-1589) Also called Michael du Bay, professor at the University of Louvain. The Vatican in 1567 condemned this Catholic theolog... more

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A.D. 1514

Luther becomes town preacher(A.D. 1514) Luther is appointed town preacher at Wittenberg. more

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A.D. 1515–1582

Teresa of Avila(A.D. 1515–1582) Also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus; Spanish nun and mystical theologian known for her descriptions of the various levels of mystic... more

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A.D. 1516–1558

Mary TudorQueen Mary I (A.D. 1516–1558) was a Queen of England and Ireland, and daughter to King Henry VIII. During her reign, she violently sought to reverse... more

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A.D. 1516

Erasmus New Testament(A.D. 1516) Erasmus publishes the first printed edition of the New Testament that is critical of the official Vulgate translation. Luther uses it in h... more

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A.D. 1517

Ottoman Caliphate(A.D. 1517) The Ottoman Caliphate becomes the de facto leader of the Muslim world operating within the Ottoman Empire. more

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A.D. 1517

Protestant Reformation(A.D. 1517) The Protestant Reformation begins as Martin Luther posts his 95 Theses, largely in response to the widespread abuses caused by the aggress... more

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October 31, 1517

Luther posts his 95 Theses(October 31, 1517) Luther posts his Ninety-five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg announcing an academic disputation (debate) about the theology... more

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A.D. 1518

Luther and Cajetan(A.D. 1518) Luther submits to a formal interview with Cardinal Cajetan at the end of the imperial Diet at Augsburg and refuses to recant. more

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A.D. 1518

Diet of Augsburg(A.D. 1530) The Diet, resembling a form of Medieval Great Council for the Holy Roman Empire, was convened irregularly at different locations. Notably,... more

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A.D. 1519

Charles V becomes Emperor(A.D. 1519) Charles V is elected Holy Roman Emperor (June). more

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January 1519

Zwingli begins Preaching(January 1519) Huldrych Zwingli begins preaching in Zurich (January). more

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June-July 1519

Luther debates Eck(June-July 1519) Luther debates Johann Eck at the Leipzig Disputation who pushes Luther toward the doctrine of scripture alone (“sola scriptura”) ... more

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A.D. 1519

Magellan(A.D. 1519) Magellan begins his maritime voyage from Spain with 5 ships and 270 men to circumnavigate the globe. Magellan and many others die during t... more

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A.D. 1520

Babylonian CaptivityThis phrase is used to describe three events: 1) the captivity of ancient Israel and exile to Babylon as related in the Old Testament; 2) the years wh... more III

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A.D. 1520

Luther’s major Treatises(A.D. 1520) Luther publishes his four most important theological treatises laying out the theological basis for protestant doctrine and his dispute wi... more

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A.D. 1520

Luther breaks with Rome(A.D. 1520) Luther publicly breaks with Rome in December when he burns the papal bull, together with papal decretals and canon law. more

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A.D. 1520

Luther’s writings condemned(A.D. 1520) Luther publishes his four most important theological treatises laying out the theological basis for protestant doctrine and his dispute wi... more

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A.D. 1521

Diet of Worms(A.D. 1521) Luther testified before the emperor Charles V (the Civil authority who could execute physical penalties for heresy) at the Diet of Worms i... more

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A.D. 1521

Luther excommunicated(A.D. 1521) Leo X excommunicates Luther in January. more

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A.D. 1521

Henry VIII Defender of the Faith(A.D. 1521) Henry VIII publishes his Defense of the Seven Sacraments against Luther’s doctrine. Leo X grants him the title “Defender of the Faith.... more

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A.D. 1521

Zwickau prophetsThe term Luther applied to three men from Zwickau who came to Wittenberg late in 1521 proclaiming an apocalyptic Gospel based on the Spirit. more

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A.D. 1522–1523

Reign of Pope Hadrian VI(A.D. 1522–1523) more

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A.D. 1522

Luther’s German New Testament(A.D. 1522) Luther publishes his German translation of the New Testament in September. more

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A.D. 1522

Antwerp Monastery(A.D. 1522) The Augustinian monastery in Antwerp is suppressed for its support of Lutheran ideas. more

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A.D. 1522

Luther returns from hiding(A.D. 1522) Luther returns to Wittenberg in March after his period of hiding in the Wartburg castle and takes charge of the reformation in the city. more

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A.D. 1522

Reformed Theology(A.D. 1522) Ulrich Zwingli begins publishing his writings in Zürich and begins the Reformed tradition of theology. more

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A.D. 1523

Diocese of Meaux(A.D. 1523) In northern France, Bishop Guillaume Briçonnet initiates reforms in his diocese of Meaux. more

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A.D. 1523

Zurich accepts Reformed Theology(A.D. 1523) Following the First Zurich Disputation in January and a Second Disputation in October, the Zurich city accepts Zwingli’s Protestantism a... more

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A.D. 1523

Lutheran Martyrs

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A.D. 1523–1534

Reign of Pope Clement VII(A.D. 1523–1534) Reign of Pope Clement VII. more

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A.D. 1524–1525

Great Peasant War in Germany(A.D. 1524–1525) more

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A.D. 1524

Swiss Religious Conflict(A.D. 1524) Conflict emerges in Switzerland when five Swiss cantons reject Zwingli’s reforms and affirm Catholicism more

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A.D. 1524

Erasmus Freedom of the Will(A.D. 1524) Erasmus publishes his book, Freedom of the Will, against Luther’s doctrines. more

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A.D. 1524

German Pamphlets(A.D. 1524) During this year, over 1,000 separate German Reformation pamphlets are published and widely distributed. more

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A.D. 1525

Anabaptists(A.D. 1525) Derived from a Greek word meaning “rebaptizers,” due to adherents’ insistence that infant baptism was not valid and that one must ma... more

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A.D. 1525

Anabaptists executed(A.D. 1525) The first Anabaptists are executed in Switzerland. more

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A.D. 1525

Luther’s Bondage of the Will(A.D. 1525) Luther publishes Bondage of the Will, his response to Erasmus’s Freedom of the Will. more

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