History Events

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

800 BCE

On Christmas Day, Charlemagne is crowned emperor by the pope in Rome. This event indicates an autonomous Western culture based on Western Christianity and Latin linguistics. Charlemagne establishes schools in all bishoprics and monasteries under his control.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

751 BCE

St. Boniface anoints Pepin a divinely sanctioned king, and the Frankish monarchy is fused into the papal order. The western European empire, based on the alliance between the Frankish monarchy and the Latin Church, provides the image of Western cultural unity for Europeans, though it does not last long.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES (500-1500)

750 BCE

The first great English epic poem, Beowulf, is written in Old English. The work is anonymous and untitled until 1805. It is a Christian poem that exemplifies early medieval society in England and shows roots in Old Testament Law.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

740 BCE

The Iconoclastic movement is initiated by Byzantine Emperor Leo the Isaurian, but the movement flourishes under the reign of his son Constantine V who rules until 775. The Iconoclasts advocate doing away with paganistic icon worship (images of Christ or saints). For them, Christ cannot be manifested or conceived of through human art.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

735 BCE

Venerable Bede, an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine scholar, writes the History of the English Church and People in Latin, perhaps the best historical writing of medieval history.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

717 BCE

The Arabs attempt to conquer Constantinople for the second time. Byzantine Emperor Leo the Isaurian, who reigns until 741, counters the Arab attempt with "Greek Fire" (a liquid mixture of sulfur, naphtha and quicklime which is released from bronze tubes, situated on ships and on the walls of Constantinople) and great military strength. Leo defeats the Arab forces and reconquers most of Asia Minor.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

700 BCE

Benedictine missionaries complete the conversion of England begun by St. Gregory the Great.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

687 BCE

Pepin of Heristal, a Merovingian ruler, unites the Frankish territories and builds the center of his kingdom in Belgium and other Rhine regions. He is succeeded by his son, Charles Martel, who forms an alliance with the Church which helps the Merovingian Dynasty (and Christianity) to expand into Germany. Pepin the Short succeeds his father, Charles Martel, and strengthens the alliance between Benedictine missionaries and Frankish expansion.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

677 BCE

The Arabs attempt to conquer Constantinople but fail.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

650 BCE

Arab forces conquer most of the Byzantine territories, formerly occupied by the Persians.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

627 BCE

Persia is conquered by Byzantine forces. The Jerusalem cross is retrieved from the Persians, who stole the relic in 614. Heraclius reigns until his death in 641.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

610 BCE

Heraclius becomes Emperor in Constantinople as the Persian Empire is attempting the takeover of Byzantine civilization. For the sake of convenience, the rule of Heraclius generally marks the beginning of Byzantine history, though it can be argued that Byzantine civilization begins with Diocletian, Constantine or Justinian.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

600 BCE

The early Middle Ages begin in 600 and last until 1050.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

590 BCE

Pope Gregory, originally a Benedictine, creates a religious policy for western Europe by fusing the Roman papacy with Benedictine monasticism. He creates the Latin church, which serves to counteract the subordination of the Roman popes to Eastern emperors. As the fourth great "church father," St. Gregory the Great draws his theology from Ambrose of Milan, Jerome and AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO. His concepts of purgatory and penance widen the gulf between the Eastern and Western Churches.

A CHRONOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE AGES

500 BCE

Clovis, founder of the Frankish state, conquers most of France and Belgium, converting his territories to Western Catholic Christianity. He founds the Merovingian dynasty and passes his kingdom on to his sons, who begin fighting one another for additional territory.