TIMELINE of Minor & Major People

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MAJOR ONLY: WORLD | RELIGIOUS | PEOPLE | ALL

MINOR & MAJOR: WORLD | RELIGIOUS | PEOPLE | ALL

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 People

AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of c... more

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EveAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, all humans descended from Eve after she disobeyed God and partook of a forbidden fruit, causing ... more

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c. 1800 B.C.

AbrahamAbraham (c. 1800 B.C.) The founding figure of the world’s three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is the first person in ... more

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Died c. 1400 B.C.

Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and ... more

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c. 1000 B.C.

David(c. 1000 B.C.) David is known for killing the giant Goliath when he was a young shepherd and later when he was king of Israel expanding the territory ... more

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c. 641–610 B.C.

Josiah(c. 641–610 B.C.) He was made king while young but became a strong force for the restoration of orthodox practices after a book of the law (presumed... more

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c. 615–515 B.C.

Daniel the Prophet(c. 615–515 B.C.) An Old Testament prophet known for surviving being thrown into a den of lions and for interpreting dreams. His prophetic writings ... more

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c. 570–495 B.C.

PythagorasPythagoras (c. 570–495 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher who is credited with many mathematical and scientific discoveries. He also promulgated mystical... more

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c. 495–430 B.C.

ZenoZeno of Elea (c. 495–430 B.C.) was an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician. He is credited with first using the reduction ad absurdum argumen... more

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470–399 B.C.

Socrates(470–399 B.C.). Socrates is credited with being the father of philosophy because he taught that the individual must begin by first examining himself... more

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c. 427–348 B.C.

Plato(c. 427–348 B.C.) Greek philosopher, Socrates’s student, Aristotle’s teacher, and founder of the only rigorously non materialist philosophical t... more

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384 B.C.–322 B.C.

AristotleAristotle (384–322 B.C.) was a greek philosopher, founder of the sciences of logic, physics, and biology, whose writings were a major conceptual res... more

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356–323 B.C.

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great (356–323 B.C.) was King of Macedon and went on to create one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he was thir... more

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c. 215–164 B.C.

Antiochus IV(c. 215–164 B.C.) Antiochus IV was king of the Seleucid Empire. He essentially conquered Egypt but backed off in the face of pressure from Rome. Dur... more

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c. 20 B.C.–c. A.D. 38

Pontius PilatePontius Pilate (c. 20 B.C.–c. A.D. 38) was the Roman Prefect of Judea from about 26 A.D. to 36 A.D. Jesus Christ was tried by Pontius Pilate, who fo... more

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c. 20 B.C.–A.D. 50

Philo(c. 20 B.C.–A.D. 50) Jewish philosopher and exegete who used an allegorical method to interpret the scriptures that was influential on ancient Chris... more of Alexandria

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born c. 18 B.C.

MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spir... more

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c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 39

HerodHerod Antipater (c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 39) ruled over Galilee and Perea, the regions of Judea where Jesus was most active in his ministry. Herod imprisoned... more Antipater

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c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64

Paul the Apostle(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the fir... more

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c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33

Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianit... more

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c. 1 B.C.– c. A.D. 30

John the BaptistJohn the Baptist (c. 1 B.C.–c. A.D. 30) was a Jewish preacher and prophet, Jesus’s cousin, he taught salvation through a coming messiah, and he us... more

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c. A.D. 1–65

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 the Apostle

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1st CENTURY

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c. A.D. 6–100

John the ApostleJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond wi... more

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A.D. 9–79

VespasianVespasian (A.D. 9–79) was Emperor from A.D. 69 to A.D. 79. In A.D. 60, Vespasian led the Roman forces in quelling a Jewish rebellion. His son, Titus... more

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A.D. 15 Dec 37–9 Jun 68

Nero(A.D. 15 Dec 37–9 Jun 68) Nero was the first Roman emperor to deliberately persecute Christians beginning in AD 64 after the great fire in Rome. It ... more

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c. A.D. 35–99

Clement of Rome(c. A.D. 35–99) He was bishop of Rome from around AD 88 to his death in AD 99. His is one of the few Church fathers who lived during the time of the... more

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c. A.D. 35–108

Ignatius of Antioch(c. A.D. 35–108) Also known as Ignatius Theophorus, was the second bishop of Antioch who wrote a series of letter to other bishops while he was in t... more

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A.D. 37–c. A.D. 100

JosephusTitus Flavius Josephus (A.D. 37–c. 100) was a Roman-Jewish scholar and historian whose work focused on Jewish history. He was from an elite family a... more

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A.D. 53–117

Trajan(A.D. 53–117) Trajan was Roman Emperor from A.D. 98 until his death in 117. He was highly successful in military campaigns and in philanthropic gove... more

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Died c. A.D. 61

Barnabas(Died c. A.D. 61) Barnabas was an early Christian who became an Apostle after the deaths of Jesus and Judas Iscariot. He and Paul worked to convert th... more

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A.D. 69–155

Polycarp(A.D. 69–155) Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna in present-day Turkey. Polycarp was a disciple of John the Apostle and is thought to have been ordai... more

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2nd CENTURY

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fl. 2nd century

Montanus(fl. 2nd century) Founder of a “New Prophecy” in Phrygia (in modern Turkey), which advocated stricter moral discipline—for example, no remarriag... more

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c. A.D. 100–165

Justin Martyr(c.A.D 100–165) Born in Palestine early in the 2nd century, Justin was educated as a philosopher and converted to Christianity, retaining many of hi... more

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fl. early 2nd century

Marcion(A.D. 144) Marcion excommunicated in Rome. more

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c. A.D. 100–175

Valentinus(c. A.D. 100–175) Author of an influential and philosophically sophisticated version of Gnosticism. He was active in Rome in the 140s, and even hope... more

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c. A.D. 120–180

Tatian(c. A.D. 120–180) Tatian was an Assyrian Christian theologian. His theology has been considered the beginning of the concept of creation ex nihilo, ... more

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c. A.D. 120–200

Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more

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A.D. 121–180

Marcus Aurelius(A.D. 121–180) Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from A.D. 161 until his death in 180. He was renowned for his philosophical thinking and temperance... more

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c. A.D. 150–215

Clement of Alexandria(c. A.D. 150–215) Titus Flavius Clemens, now known as Clement of Alexandria, was an early Christian theologian whose theology was heavily influenced... more

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c. A.D. 160–225

Tertullian(c. A.D. 160–225) North African priest and theologian, the first major Latin Christian author. Despite the large number of his writings that have su... more

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c. A.D. 185–254

Origen(c. A.D. 185–254) Alexandrian theologian famous for his commentaries and homilies on the scriptures, which established a long-lasting tradition of C... more

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3rd CENTURY

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c. A.D. 205–270

PlotinusPlotinus (c. A.D. 204–270) was a philosopher born in Egypt under the Roman Empire. Plotinus followed the Platonic tradition, but adapted it with dis... more

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A.D. 210–14 Sep 258

Cyprian(A.D. 210–14 Sep 258) Bishop of Carthage between 248 and 258 who sparked a controversy when he fled during the Emperor Decian persecution and then l... more

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c. A.D. 215

Sabellius(c. A.D. 215) He was an early Christian theologian who taught that God is indivisible so the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are simply different manifest... more

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A.D. 244–311

DiocletianDiocletian (A.D. 244–311) was a Roman Emperor who successfully stabilized the Roman Empire after nearly collapsing after a period of invasion, civil... more

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c. A.D. 246–330

Helena(c. A.D. 246–330) Helena was Empress of the Roman Empire through her marriage to Emperor Constantius and mother to Emperor Constantine. She converte... more

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c. A.D. 250–325

Lactantius(c. A.D. 250–325) Lactantius was a Christian advisor to Emperor Constantine regarding religious policies. He was also the tutor of Constantine’s s... more

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c. A.D. 256–336

Arius(c. 256-336) Alexandrian presbyter whose teaching on the Trinity was condemned at the Council of Nicaea A.D. 325. (See Arianism and Arian Controversy.... more

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Died A.D. 257

Stephen Bishop of Rome(Died A.D. 257) Stephen was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 254 to 257. He addressed issues relating to the reintegration of members and leaders who... more

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A.D. 263–May 339

Eusebius of Caesarea(A.D. 263–May 339) Eusebius became bishop of Caesarea around A.D. 314 and became one of early Christianity’s foremost scholars, apologist, and His... more

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c. A.D. 272–337

ConstantineConstantine I (c. A.D. 272–337) was a Western Roman Emperor who, after a series of civil wars, became emperor of the entire Roman Empire. He strengt... more

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Died A.D. 274

Felix Bishop of Rome(Died A.D. 274) Felix was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 269 until his death in 274. He condemned the teaching that Christ was born as a mere morta... more

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c. A.D. 280–355

Donatus(c. A.D. 280–355) Magnus Donatus was the leader of a movement in North Africa that believed clergy who had fallen away needed to be rebaptized in or... more

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A.D. 292–348

Pachomius(A.D. 292–348) Pachomius was an early Christian from Egypt who established the tradition of communal monasticism. Prior to him, Christian asceticism... more

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c. A.D. 293–373

Athanasius(c. A.D. 296–373) Athanasius was a Bishop of Alexandria and was a leading proponent of orthodox trinitarianism in opposition to Arianism. His positi... more

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4th CENTURY

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4th Century A.D.

Ezana of Axum(4th Century A.D.) Ezana was taught by a Christian monk as a child and converted to Christianity. When he became King of Axum (modern day Ethiopia) in... more

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A.D. 321–375

ValentinianValentinian (A.D. 321–375) is often considered the last great emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He established security through a series of succe... more

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c. A.D. 323–350

Constans(c. A.D. 323–350) Constans was the third son of Emperor Constantine and became Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He followed Nicene orthodoxy and... more

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c. A.D. 330–390

Gregory of Naziansen(c. A.D. 330–390) Sometimes known as Gregory of Naziansen, one of the Cappadocian Fathers. Among the Eastern Orthodox he is called “Saint Gregory ... more

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c. A.D. 330-379

Basil(c. A.D. 330-379) Older brother of Gregory of Nyssa and leader of the Cappadocian Fathers, who advocated a reformulation of Nicene theology that preva... more of Caesarea

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c. A.D. 335–394

Gregory of Nyssa(c. A.D. 335–394) One of the Cappadocian fathers, brother of Basil of Caesarea, and author of important works on the Trinity, including a brief but ... more

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Died A.D. 341

Eusebius of Nicomedia(Died A.D. 341) Eusebius was a contemporary and supporter of Arius and became Bishop of Nicomedia in present-day Turkey. Eusebius exercised tremendous... more

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A.D. 347–395

TheodosiusTheodosius (A.D. 347–395) was Roman Emperor from A.D. 379 until his death. He was the last emperor to rule over a united Roman Empire, his two sons ... more

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A.D. 27 Mar 347–30 Sep 420

Jerome(A.D. 27 Mar 347–30 Sep 420) Jerome was a Catholic theologian who is best known for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin. Known as the Vu... more

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c. A.D. 350–428

Theodore of Mopsuestia(c. A.D. 350–428) Theodore was Bishop of Mopsuestia, located on the southeastern coast of Asia Minor, from A.D. 392 until his death. He was a major ... more

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A.D. 354–430

Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including rel... more

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A.D. 359–383

GratianGratian (A.D. 359–383) was a Roman Emperor who enjoyed early success, but later disregarded his duties, leading to a revolt by the army and his assa... more

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c. A.D. 360–435

John Cassian(c. A.D. 360–435) John Cassian was a Christian monk and theologian who is best known for his writings on Christian mysticism. He is credited with a ... more

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A.D. 371-392

Valentinian II(A.D. 371-392) Valentinian II was Emperor in the Western Roman Empire from A.D. 375 until 392. He was essentially a figurehead for other dominant and ... more

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c. A.D. 378–444

CyrilCyril of Alexandria (c. A.D. 378-444) Nestorius opponent, Bishop of Alexandria, dominant figure at the Council of Ephesus 431, known for his Christolo... more of Alexandria

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c. A.D. 380–439

Socrates the Historian(c. A.D. 380–439) Socrates was a Christian historian who wrote a history of Christianity covering the years A.D. 305–439. His history was generall... more

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c. A.D. 380–456

Eutyches(c. A.D. 380–456) Eutyches was an ecclesiastical leader in Constantinople. During the First Council of Ephesus, he vigorously denounced Nestorius an... more

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Died A.D. 382

Apollinaris of Laodicea(Died A.D. 382) Apollinaris was Bishop of Laodicea in Syria. He was an opponent of Arianism whose Christological views were also declared heretical at... more

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fl. early 5th century

Nestorius(fl. early 5th century) Archbishop of Constantinople who denied that Mary was theotokos or Mother of God. His Christology was accused of splitting Chr... more

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5th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 400–450

Sozomen(c. A.D. 400–450) Sozomen was a Christian historian who wrote two histories of Christianity covering the time from Christ’s ascension to A.D. 425.... more

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A.D. 401–450

Theodosius IITheodosius II (A.D. 401–450) was an Eastern Roman Emperor, and he best known for commissioning a compilation of the laws in a single code, primarily... more

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5th century A.D.

Eusebius Bishop of Dorylaeum(5th century A.D.) Eusebius was the Bishop of Dorylaeum, a community in present-day Turkey. He was a player in the Christological disputes of the time... more

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fl. 410–420

Pelagius(fl. A.D. 410–420) British monk, spiritual advisor, and theologian whose teaching gave rise to Pelagianism, the view against which Augustine’s doc... more

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Died A.D. 454

Dioscorus of Alexandria(Died A.D. 454) Dioscorus was the last Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria to attend a Western council, the Council at Chalcedon. There, he was deposed f... more

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Died A.D. 10 Nov 461

Leo the Great(Died A.D. 10 Nov 461) Leo I became pope in A.D. 440 and was instrumental in establishing the duel nature of Christ through the “Tome of Leo” as t... more

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c. A.D. 466–511

ClovisClovis I (c. A.D. 466–511) was a Frankish chieftain who united the Frankish tribes under the rule of one king. He ensured his kingship descended to ... more

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A.D. 477–524

BoethiusAnicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (A.D. 477–524) was a Roman statesman and theologian who came into public service under the Ostrogothic King Theod... more

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c. A.D. 2 Mar 480–21 Mar 547

Benedict(c. A.D. 2 Mar 480–21 Mar 547) also known as Saint Benedict of Nurcia. He is credited with founding modern monasticism through his written rule for ... more

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c. A.D. 482–565

JustinianJustinian I (c. A.D. 482–565) was an Eastern Roman Emperor who sought to reunite the Empire after the collapse of the West. He also had Hagia Sophia... more

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6th CENTURY

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fl. c. 500

Dionysius(fl. c. A.D. 500) Pseudo Dionysius Christian neo-Platonist theologian, in the west called Saint Denys (or Denis), and by modern scholars labeled Pseud... more

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c. A.D. 500–548

Theodora(c. A.D. 500–548) Theodora was Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire through her marriage to Emperor Justinian I. In religious matters, she supported ... more

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Died A.D. 555

Vigilius(Died A.D. 555) Vigilius was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 537 until his death. He schemed with Empress Theodora to gain his position, suggesting ... more

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c. A.D. 560–636

Isidore of Seville(c. A.D. 560–636) Isidore of Seville was the Archbishop of Seville and is often considered the last scholar of the ancient world. He played a critic... more

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c. A.D. 570–632

MuhammadMuhammad ibn Abdullah (c. A.D. 570–632) founded the Islamic faith, based on the Quran and the belief that he was the final prophet sent by God to co... more

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c. A.D. 580–662

Maximus the Confessor(c. A.D. 580–662) Maximus the Confessor was a Christian monk and theologian based in Constantinople. Maximus featured prominently in the Christologi... more

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c. A.D. 580–662

Maxiumus the Confessor

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7th CENTURY

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died A.D. 12 Mar 604

Gregory the Great(died A.D. 12 Mar 604) Gregory I became pope in 590 and earned the designation “great” due to his insistence of the authority of the papacy and th... more

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c. A.D. 673–735

BedeBede (c. A.D. 673–735) was an English monk. Bede wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, thereby becoming known as the Father of Eng... more

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c. A.D. 688–741

Charles MartelCharles Martel (c. A.D. 688–741) became the power behind the throne of the Merovingian dynasty. He saved western Christianity by defeating Islamic i... more

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8th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 714–768

PepinPepin (c. A.D. 714–768) was a son of Charles Martel, who, with his brother Carloman, ruled over Frankia behind Merovingian figurehead King Childeric... more

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c. A.D. 735–804

AlcuinAlcuin (c. A.D. 735–804) was an English clergyman and scholar who joined Charlemagne’s court, becoming a leading intellect behind the Carolingian ... more

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c. A.D. 742–814

CharlemagneCharlemagne (c. A.D. 742–814) was the eldest son of Pepin, who became sole ruler of the Franks upon the death of his younger brother Carloman. Charl... more

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c. A.D. 800–867

Nicholas I(c. A.D. 800–867) Stressed the supremacy of the Pope in both ecclesiastical and royal matters, relying for the first time on the False Decretals inc... more

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9th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 810–893

Photius I(c. A.D. 810–893) Photius I was an Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, head of the Eastern Orthodox Churches. His elevation was the basis for a ... more

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A.D. 815–885

Methodius(A.D. 815–885) Methodius was a Byzantine Christian theologian and missionary to the Slavic people. He was critical in developing the first Slavic li... more

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c. A.D. 826–869

Cyril of Thessalonica(c. A.D. 826–869) Cyril of Thessalonica was a Byzantine Christian theologian and missionary to the Slavic people. He was critical in developing the ... more

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c. A.D. 847–899

Alfred the GreatAlfred the Great (c. A.D. 847–899) was King of Wessex who, in the face of Viking invasions of the British Isles, became the first King of the Anglo-... more

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Died. A.D. 885

Adrian III(Died. A.D. 885) Adrian III was Pope from 884 until his death in 885. He worked to alleviate the suffering of the people in Italy during a period of f... more

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10th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 956–1015

Vladimir I(c. A.D. 956–1015) Vladimir I also known as Vladimir the Great was the Rus leader in Kiev whose conversion to Christianity established Christianity... more

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c. A.D. 965–1040

Alhacen(c. A.D. 965–1040) Alhacen was a Muslim polymath during the Islamic Golden Age. He explained the basics of the scientific method approximately 500 y... more

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c. A.D. 980–1037

AvicennaAvicenna (c. A.D. 980–1037) was a Muslim Persian scholar and prolific thinker on a wide range of topics, contributing significantly to the Islamic G... more

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11th CENTURY

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c. A.D. 1000–1059

Michael Cerularius(c. A.D. 1000–1059) Michael Cerularius was born in Constantinople and became the Patriarch of Constantinople in A.D. 1043. He disputed with Pope Leo... more

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c. A.D. 1000–1061

Humbert(c. A.D. 1000–1061) Was a French Benedictine monk and friend of Pope Leo IX, who sent Humber to Constantinople to mediate a dispute with the Eastern... more

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A.D. 1002–1054

Leo IX(A.D. 1002–1054) Pope Leo IX was born to a noble family in the Alsace region of what was then part of the Holy Roman Empire. He played an instrument... more

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c. A.D. 1015–1085

Gregory VII(c. A.D. 1015–1085) Gregory VII was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 1073 until his death in 1085. Pope Gregory VII successfully asserted the Papal... more

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c. A.D. 1033–1109

Anselm(c. 1033–1109 A.D.) Monk, then abbot of Bec in Normandy, then archbishop of Canterbury (1093–1109); the first great medieval theologian of the Wes... more

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c. A.D. 1035–1099

Urban II(c. A.D. 1035–1099) Urban II was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 1088 until his death in 1099. He initiated the First Crusade, promising forgivene... more

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A.D. 1040–1105

Rashi(A.D. 1040–1105) Rashi was a medieval French rabbi. He wrote highly influential commentaries on the Tanakh and the Talmud. more

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A.D. 1079 – A.D. 1142

AbelardPeter Abelard (A.D. 1079–1142) was a preeminent logician and theologian who firmly fixed the tradition of scholasticism, the attempt to provide a fo... more

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A.D. 1090–A.D. 1153

Bernard of ClairvauxBernard of Clairvaux (A.D. 1090–1153) reformed Medieval monasticism, forming the Cistercian Order. He was critical in establishing Innocent II as po... more

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c. A.D. 1090–1155

Arnold of Brescia(c. A.D. 1090–1155) Arnold was an Italian priest who sought to have the Church renounce property ownership and participated in a failed attempt to r... more

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c. A.D. 1096–1160

Peter LombardPeter Lombard (c. A.D. 1096–1160) was a prominent theologian who briefly became Bishop of Paris before his death. Lombard’s magnum opus, Four Book... more

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12th CENTURY

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A.D. 1126 – A.D. 1198

AverroesAverroes (A.D. 1126–1198) was a Muslim Andalusian scholar and thinker on numerous topics during the Islamic Golden Age. Although his influence in th... more

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Died c. A.D. 1131

Peter of Bruys(Died c. A.D. 1131) Peter of Bruys was a leader of a movement in France which rejected infant baptism, the building of churches, the use of the cross,... more

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c. A.D. 1135–1204

MaimonidesMaimonides (c. A.D. 1135–1204) was a Jewish philosopher from Cordoba under the Islamic Almoravid Empire. His work on the Talmud was considered persu... more

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A.D. 1137–1193

Saladin(A.D. 1137–1193) Saladin founded the Ayyubid dynasty and Sultan of Egypt of Syria. During his reign, his domains included Egypt, Syria, Upper Mesopo... more

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c. A.D. 1140–1205

Peter Waldo(c. A.D. 1140–1205) Peter Waldo was the leader of a medieval Christian spiritual movement known as the Waldensians. Waldo advocated for simplicity a... more

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c. A.D. 1160–1216

Innocent III(c. A.D. 1160–1216) Innocent III was Pope from A.D. 1198 until his death in 1216. He was one of the most influential Popes in Medieval Europe. He us... more

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c. A.D. 1181–1226

Francis of AssisiFrancis of Assisi (c. A.D. 1181–1226) was born to a wealthy Italian merchant and French noblewoman. Francis’s youth was typical for his time and c... more

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c. A.D. 1195–1254

Innocent IV(c. A.D. 1195–1254) Innocent IV was Pope from A.D. 1243 until his death in 1254. In the First Council of Lyons, Innocent IV had the Holy Roman Emper... more

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13th CENTURY

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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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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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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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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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14th CENTURY

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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. 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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TIMELINE of All People

All People

AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of c... more

EveAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, all humans descended from Eve after she disobeyed God and partook of a forbidden fruit, causing ... more

AbrahamAbraham (c. 1800 B.C.) The founding figure of the world’s three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is the first person in ... more

Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and ... more

David(c. 1000 B.C.) David is known for killing the giant Goliath when he was a young shepherd and later when he was king of Israel expanding the territory ... more

Josiah(c. 641–610 B.C.) He was made king while young but became a strong force for the restoration of orthodox practices after a book of the law (presumed... more

Daniel the Prophet(c. 615–515 B.C.) An Old Testament prophet known for surviving being thrown into a den of lions and for interpreting dreams. His prophetic writings ... more

PythagorasPythagoras (c. 570–495 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher who is credited with many mathematical and scientific discoveries. He also promulgated mystical... more

ZenoZeno of Elea (c. 495–430 B.C.) was an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician. He is credited with first using the reduction ad absurdum argumen... more

Socrates(470–399 B.C.). Socrates is credited with being the father of philosophy because he taught that the individual must begin by first examining himself... more

Plato(c. 427–348 B.C.) Greek philosopher, Socrates’s student, Aristotle’s teacher, and founder of the only rigorously non materialist philosophical t... more

AristotleAristotle (384–322 B.C.) was a greek philosopher, founder of the sciences of logic, physics, and biology, whose writings were a major conceptual res... more

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great (356–323 B.C.) was King of Macedon and went on to create one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he was thir... more

Antiochus IV(c. 215–164 B.C.) Antiochus IV was king of the Seleucid Empire. He essentially conquered Egypt but backed off in the face of pressure from Rome. Dur... more

Pontius PilatePontius Pilate (c. 20 B.C.–c. A.D. 38) was the Roman Prefect of Judea from about 26 A.D. to 36 A.D. Jesus Christ was tried by Pontius Pilate, who fo... more

Philo(c. 20 B.C.–A.D. 50) Jewish philosopher and exegete who used an allegorical method to interpret the scriptures that was influential on ancient Chris... more of Alexandria

MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spir... more

HerodHerod Antipater (c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 39) ruled over Galilee and Perea, the regions of Judea where Jesus was most active in his ministry. Herod imprisoned... more Antipater

Paul the Apostle(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the fir... more

Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianit... more

John the BaptistJohn the Baptist (c. 1 B.C.–c. A.D. 30) was a Jewish preacher and prophet, Jesus’s cousin, he taught salvation through a coming messiah, and he us... more

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 the Apostle

1st CENTURY

John the ApostleJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond wi... more

VespasianVespasian (A.D. 9–79) was Emperor from A.D. 69 to A.D. 79. In A.D. 60, Vespasian led the Roman forces in quelling a Jewish rebellion. His son, Titus... more

Nero(A.D. 15 Dec 37–9 Jun 68) Nero was the first Roman emperor to deliberately persecute Christians beginning in AD 64 after the great fire in Rome. It ... more

Clement of Rome(c. A.D. 35–99) He was bishop of Rome from around AD 88 to his death in AD 99. His is one of the few Church fathers who lived during the time of the... more

Ignatius of Antioch(c. A.D. 35–108) Also known as Ignatius Theophorus, was the second bishop of Antioch who wrote a series of letter to other bishops while he was in t... more

JosephusTitus Flavius Josephus (A.D. 37–c. 100) was a Roman-Jewish scholar and historian whose work focused on Jewish history. He was from an elite family a... more

Trajan(A.D. 53–117) Trajan was Roman Emperor from A.D. 98 until his death in 117. He was highly successful in military campaigns and in philanthropic gove... more

Barnabas(Died c. A.D. 61) Barnabas was an early Christian who became an Apostle after the deaths of Jesus and Judas Iscariot. He and Paul worked to convert th... more

Polycarp(A.D. 69–155) Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna in present-day Turkey. Polycarp was a disciple of John the Apostle and is thought to have been ordai... more

2nd CENTURY

Montanus(fl. 2nd century) Founder of a “New Prophecy” in Phrygia (in modern Turkey), which advocated stricter moral discipline—for example, no remarriag... more

Justin Martyr(c.A.D 100–165) Born in Palestine early in the 2nd century, Justin was educated as a philosopher and converted to Christianity, retaining many of hi... more

Marcion(A.D. 144) Marcion excommunicated in Rome. more

Valentinus(c. A.D. 100–175) Author of an influential and philosophically sophisticated version of Gnosticism. He was active in Rome in the 140s, and even hope... more

Tatian(c. A.D. 120–180) Tatian was an Assyrian Christian theologian. His theology has been considered the beginning of the concept of creation ex nihilo, ... more

Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more

Marcus Aurelius(A.D. 121–180) Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from A.D. 161 until his death in 180. He was renowned for his philosophical thinking and temperance... more

Clement of Alexandria(c. A.D. 150–215) Titus Flavius Clemens, now known as Clement of Alexandria, was an early Christian theologian whose theology was heavily influenced... more

Tertullian(c. A.D. 160–225) North African priest and theologian, the first major Latin Christian author. Despite the large number of his writings that have su... more

Origen(c. A.D. 185–254) Alexandrian theologian famous for his commentaries and homilies on the scriptures, which established a long-lasting tradition of C... more

3rd CENTURY

PlotinusPlotinus (c. A.D. 204–270) was a philosopher born in Egypt under the Roman Empire. Plotinus followed the Platonic tradition, but adapted it with dis... more

Cyprian(A.D. 210–14 Sep 258) Bishop of Carthage between 248 and 258 who sparked a controversy when he fled during the Emperor Decian persecution and then l... more

Sabellius(c. A.D. 215) He was an early Christian theologian who taught that God is indivisible so the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are simply different manifest... more

DiocletianDiocletian (A.D. 244–311) was a Roman Emperor who successfully stabilized the Roman Empire after nearly collapsing after a period of invasion, civil... more

Helena(c. A.D. 246–330) Helena was Empress of the Roman Empire through her marriage to Emperor Constantius and mother to Emperor Constantine. She converte... more

Lactantius(c. A.D. 250–325) Lactantius was a Christian advisor to Emperor Constantine regarding religious policies. He was also the tutor of Constantine’s s... more

Arius(c. 256-336) Alexandrian presbyter whose teaching on the Trinity was condemned at the Council of Nicaea A.D. 325. (See Arianism and Arian Controversy.... more

Stephen Bishop of Rome(Died A.D. 257) Stephen was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 254 to 257. He addressed issues relating to the reintegration of members and leaders who... more

Eusebius of Caesarea(A.D. 263–May 339) Eusebius became bishop of Caesarea around A.D. 314 and became one of early Christianity’s foremost scholars, apologist, and His... more

ConstantineConstantine I (c. A.D. 272–337) was a Western Roman Emperor who, after a series of civil wars, became emperor of the entire Roman Empire. He strengt... more

Felix Bishop of Rome(Died A.D. 274) Felix was Bishop of Rome and Pope from A.D. 269 until his death in 274. He condemned the teaching that Christ was born as a mere morta... more

Donatus(c. A.D. 280–355) Magnus Donatus was the leader of a movement in North Africa that believed clergy who had fallen away needed to be rebaptized in or... more

Pachomius(A.D. 292–348) Pachomius was an early Christian from Egypt who established the tradition of communal monasticism. Prior to him, Christian asceticism... more

Athanasius(c. A.D. 296–373) Athanasius was a Bishop of Alexandria and was a leading proponent of orthodox trinitarianism in opposition to Arianism. His positi... more

4th CENTURY

Ezana of Axum(4th Century A.D.) Ezana was taught by a Christian monk as a child and converted to Christianity. When he became King of Axum (modern day Ethiopia) in... more

ValentinianValentinian (A.D. 321–375) is often considered the last great emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He established security through a series of succe... more

Constans(c. A.D. 323–350) Constans was the third son of Emperor Constantine and became Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He followed Nicene orthodoxy and... more

Gregory of Naziansen(c. A.D. 330–390) Sometimes known as Gregory of Naziansen, one of the Cappadocian Fathers. Among the Eastern Orthodox he is called “Saint Gregory ... more

Basil(c. A.D. 330-379) Older brother of Gregory of Nyssa and leader of the Cappadocian Fathers, who advocated a reformulation of Nicene theology that preva... more of Caesarea

Gregory of Nyssa(c. A.D. 335–394) One of the Cappadocian fathers, brother of Basil of Caesarea, and author of important works on the Trinity, including a brief but ... more

Eusebius of Nicomedia(Died A.D. 341) Eusebius was a contemporary and supporter of Arius and became Bishop of Nicomedia in present-day Turkey. Eusebius exercised tremendous... more

TheodosiusTheodosius (A.D. 347–395) was Roman Emperor from A.D. 379 until his death. He was the last emperor to rule over a united Roman Empire, his two sons ... more

Jerome(A.D. 27 Mar 347–30 Sep 420) Jerome was a Catholic theologian who is best known for his translation of most of the Bible into Latin. Known as the Vu... more

Theodore of Mopsuestia(c. A.D. 350–428) Theodore was Bishop of Mopsuestia, located on the southeastern coast of Asia Minor, from A.D. 392 until his death. He was a major ... more

Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including rel... more

GratianGratian (A.D. 359–383) was a Roman Emperor who enjoyed early success, but later disregarded his duties, leading to a revolt by the army and his assa... more

John Cassian(c. A.D. 360–435) John Cassian was a Christian monk and theologian who is best known for his writings on Christian mysticism. He is credited with a ... more

Valentinian II(A.D. 371-392) Valentinian II was Emperor in the Western Roman Empire from A.D. 375 until 392. He was essentially a figurehead for other dominant and ... more

CyrilCyril of Alexandria (c. A.D. 378-444) Nestorius opponent, Bishop of Alexandria, dominant figure at the Council of Ephesus 431, known for his Christolo... more of Alexandria

Socrates the Historian(c. A.D. 380–439) Socrates was a Christian historian who wrote a history of Christianity covering the years A.D. 305–439. His history was generall... more

Eutyches(c. A.D. 380–456) Eutyches was an ecclesiastical leader in Constantinople. During the First Council of Ephesus, he vigorously denounced Nestorius an... more

Apollinaris of Laodicea(Died A.D. 382) Apollinaris was Bishop of Laodicea in Syria. He was an opponent of Arianism whose Christological views were also declared heretical at... more

Nestorius(fl. early 5th century) Archbishop of Constantinople who denied that Mary was theotokos or Mother of God. His Christology was accused of splitting Chr... more