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476
Fall of the Wester Roman Empyre
The Western Roman Empire collapses when the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, is overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer. This marks the end of ancient Rome and the start of the Middle Ages. -
493
Theodoric the Great establishes the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy
After defeating Odoacer, Theodoric the Great creates a new kingdom in Italy, blending Roman traditions with Germanic rule. -
527
Justinian I ascends as Byzantine Emperor
Justinian I rises to power in the Byzantine Empire. He reforms laws (Justinian Code) and orders the construction of the Hagia Sophia. -
711
The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula begins
Muslim armies from North Africa invade Spain, defeating the Visigoths and establishing Islamic rule over most of the peninsula. -
732
Battle of Tours
Charles Martel, a Frankish leader, stops the advance of Muslim forces into France, keeping Western Europe mostly Christian. -
800
Coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor by Pope Leo III
Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne, making him ruler of much of Western Europe. This strengthens the connection between the church and state. -
843
Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolinian Empire among Charlemagne’s grandsons
Charlemagne’s empire is split among his three grandsons, leading to the creation of modern France, Germany, and Italy. -
962
Otto I is crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Otto I revives the idea of a Western Empire under the Pope’s blessing, creating what becomes the Holy Roman Empire. -
1054
The Great Schism formally splits Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches
The Christian Church splits into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East due to differences in beliefs and leadership. -
1066
Normal Conquest of England
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeats King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings and becomes King of England. -
1095
Pope Urban II calls for the Firt Crusade at the Council of Clermont
At the Council of Clermont, the Pope urges Christians to take back the Holy Land from Muslim control, leading to the Crusades. -
1099
Crusaders captured Jerusalem during the First Crusade
The First Crusade succeeds in taking Jerusalem, but the victory is violent, with many killed in the city. -
1122
Concordant of Worms resolves the Investiture controversy between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor
This agreement settles a power struggle between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over who appoints bishops. -
1147
Launch of the Second Crusade
After Muslims reclaim key cities, European leaders launch another Crusade, but it ends in failure. -
1187
Battle of Hattin
Saladin defeats the Crusader army and retakes Jerusalem, leading to the Third Crusade. -
1190
Third Crusade
Led by Richard the Lionheart of England, this Crusade tries but ultimately fails to recapture Jerusalem. -
1215
Magna Carta (England)
English nobles force King John to sign this document, limiting the king’s power and laying the foundation for democracy. -
1229
End of Albigensian Crusade
This treaty ends a war against heretics in southern France, strengthening the Catholic Church’s control. -
1241
Mongol invade Eastern Europe
Mongol forces defeat European armies, causing destruction but retreating before conquering the region. -
1265
Simon de Monfort’s Parliament
Simon de Montfort’s Parliament is an early step toward representative government in England. -
1274
Second Council of Lyons discusses Church reforms
This Church council discusses reforms and attempts to reunite Catholics and Orthodox Christians. -
1302
Pope Boniface VIII
This document claims that the Pope has supreme authority over all Christians, angering European rulers. -
1315
Great Famine in Europe
A long period of bad weather and crop failure leads to starvation and social unrest in Europe. -
1347
Black Death in Europe
The bubonic plague spreads through Europe, killing millions and dramatically changing society. -
1378
Western Schism starts
The Catholic Church splits when multiple Popes claim leadership, weakening its authority. -
1415
Execution of Jan Hus
Jan Hus, a Church reformer, is burned at the stake for criticizing corruption, inspiring later movements like the Protestant Reformation. -
1417
Western Schism End
A single Pope is finally chosen, reuniting the Catholic Church. -
1453
Fall of Constantinople
The Ottoman Turks capture Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire and marking the rise of the Ottoman Empire. -
1455
Gutenberg prints the first Bible
Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press makes books cheaper and spreads knowledge faster. -
1492
Christopher Columbus leads the discovery of America
Christopher Columbus, sailing for Spain, reaches the Americas, starting European colonization. -
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal agree to divide the newly discovered lands of the Americas. -
1517
Martin Luther spark the Protestant Reform
Luther criticizes the Catholic Church’s corruption, starting the Protestant Reformation. -
1521
Diet of Worms condemns Martin Luther’s teachings
The Holy Roman Emperor declares Martin Luther a heretic for refusing to take back his ideas. -
1527
Sack of Rome by Charles V troops
Troops of Emperor Charles V attack Rome, showing the decline of papal power in politics. -
1534
Henry VIII’s Supremacy
King Henry VIII declares himself head of the Church of England, breaking from the Pope. -
1543
Copernicus publishes On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres
Copernicus proposes that the Earth orbits the Sun, challenging old beliefs. -
1545
The council of Trent
The Catholic Church launches the Counter-Reformation to fight Protestant ideas. -
1555
Peace of Asburg
This treaty allows rulers in the Holy Roman Empire to choose between Catholicism and Protestantism -
Spain Armas a defeated by England
England defeats Spain’s navy, making England a major naval power. -
Defenestration of Prague
A religious and political conflict devastates Central Europe. -
English Civil War begins
A war breaks out between supporters of the king and Parliament, leading to the execution of King Charles I. -
Peace of Westphalia ends the Thirty Year’s War
This treaty ends the Thirty Years’ War and establishes the idea of independent states. -
Glorious Revolution in England
King James II is overthrown, and England becomes a constitutional monarchy. -
English Bill of Rights is enacted
This law strengthens Parliament’s power and protects citizens’ rights. -
Acts is Union unite England and Scotland in Great Britain
England and Scotland officially unite to form Great Britain. -
Treaty of Utrecht
This treaty ends a major European war and shifts power among nations. -
Death of Luis XIV
The death of France’s “Sun King” marks the end of absolute monarchy in France. -
Seven Years’ War start
A global conflict reshapes colonial empires, especially in North America. -
Almost the start of the Industrial Revolution
New machines and factories begin transforming economies and societies. -
Revolutionary War in America begins
American colonists fight for independence from Britain. -
American Declaration of Independence
The United States declares its independence. Adam Smith publishes The Wealth of Nations, shaping economic theory. -
Treaty of Paris
The U.S. officially gains independence from Britain. -
France Revolution
The people of France overthrow their king, leading to major political and social changes. -
Napoleón Bonaparte (power in France)
Napoleon takes control of France, ending the revolution. -
Napoleón Bonaparte crown himself
Napoleon becomes Emperor, showing that his power is independent from the Pope. -
Battle of Waterloo
Napoleon is finally defeated, ending his reign. -
Greek War of Independence
Greece starts its fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire