Euro Summer Timeline - Religion

Baptism of Clovis

496

Clovis' baptism resulted in the widespread conversion of Frankish people to Catholicism, changing the religious demographics of Gaul and the Frankish Kingdom permanently. Clovis differentiated himself from other Germanic leaders through this conversion, which contributed to religious unity in France. Charlemagne would later benefit from this religious unity in his productive relationship with Pope Leo III.

Muhammad's First Relevation

610

After Muhammad's first vision, he began to preach his belief that he was a prophet sent by God to explain His wishes to mankind. His teachings marked the beginning of the Islamic faith. Muhammad's instructions to spread Islam led to the formation of many powerful Islamic states, including the Safavid Empire, the Mughal Empire, and the Caliphates, as well as Islam becoming the world's second largest religion today.

Muhammad's Conquest of Mecca

630

Upon Muhammad's return to Mecca, he was recognized as a mighty prophet. It was from Mecca that Muhammad was able to preach his perception of God's will to larger and larger audiences, and in doing so he outlined the core beliefs of Islam. His teachings were written down in the Quran and remain influential to this day.

Umayyad Caliphate is Formed

661

After the death of Muhammad, the Caliphate continued Muslim conquests, eventually gaining control of all of North Africa and Persia. The Caliphate was so large at its height in 750 that it controlled about 29% of the world's population, which was organized in a manner such that Muslims were the highest social class and were exempt from a tax which was imposed on all non-Muslims. This, along with the use of military force, encouraged the conversion of millions to Islam.

Charles Martel defeats the Arabs in Spain

732

Charles "the Hammer" Martel stopped the spread of the Arab empire, and of Islam, into the depths of Europe, preventing the Arab warriors from entering the kingdom of the Franks. Because of this decisive battle, Christianity persisted as the unifying religion in much of Western Europe. Should Martel have been defeated, it is likely that the Arabs would have conquered modern day France and Germany, spreading Islam in their wake.

The Investiture Controversy

1073

In this conflict, King Henry IV of Germany believed, to Pope Gregory VII's disdain, that it was his right to be the commander of the entire Christian world. Although King Henry managed to have the Pope deposed, in the end it was established that the Pope, not the emperor, was to be the ruler of Christendom.

The First Crusade

1096

In the First Crusade, the crusaders founded the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which remained under attack for years to come, forcing the return of crusaders in the future. As a result of the first crusade, Christians discovered Arab culture and knowledge, such as the books of Aristotle. These, as well as many other works, were translated into Latin, bringing philosophy and teachings to Europe which many found to be strikingly similar to those of the Church.

Commision of St. Peter's Basilica

1506

The construction of the Church of St. Peter was intended to be a larger and more beautiful project than any seen before, causing the Church to seek out new sources of revenue. In order to please the pope's desire to build such a church, priests and monks began selling indulgences to raise money. This practice went against the Church's own teachings, upsetting Martin Luther, who consequently published the 95 Theses. This document can be credited with starting the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther Publishes 95 Theses

1517

Aided by the invention of the printing press, Luther posted a list of his grievances with the Catholic Church, specifically in regards to the purchase of condolences. The uproar caused by his arguments led to his excommunication from the Church and was the reason for the start of the Reformation. As a result, the Catholic Church was weakened in influence and several divisions of Protestantism were born.

Translation of the Bible

1534

While living in disguise, Martin Luther worked on a German version of the Bible to allow more people to interpret it for themselves. In doing so, he helped create a national German language, as it was comprised of various German dialects. The new German language also contributed to a sense of German unity and identity. Additionally, Luther's translation contributed to the spread of Christianity internationally, as it inspired the translation of the Bible into English that same century.