Martin luther by cranach restoration

Martin Luther Timeline

  • Martin Luther is born
    Nov 10, 1483

    Martin Luther is born

    Martin Luther is born to Hans and Margaret Luther at Eisleben in Saxony, Germany. On November 11th, he is baptized at the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
  • Receives Bachelor's Degree
    1502

    Receives Bachelor's Degree

    Luther receives his Bachelor's degree from the University of Erfurt in the 7 Liberal Arts. On his final exams, he places 30th out of 57.
  • Receives Master's Degree
    1505

    Receives Master's Degree

    Luther receives his Master's from Erfurt. Later that year, he is nearly killed in a storm and decides to devote himself to life in the Black Monastery in Erfurt.
  • Luther Begins Teaching
    1512

    Luther Begins Teaching

    Earns his Doctor of Theology and starts teaching at the University of Wittenberg. He is admitted to the senate of the theology faculty.
  • Luther's Teaching Experience
    1516

    Luther's Teaching Experience

    From 1513 to 1516, Luther lectures on the Psalms and the Epistle to the Romans. During this time, he comes to the conclusion that faith alone brings salvation.
  • The Church Sells Salvation
    1517

    The Church Sells Salvation

    The RCC begins selling indulgences on the borders of Saxony, causing fewer people to come to confession. Luther finds out about the indulgences and begins to preach against them.
  • Luther Posts The 95 Theses
    Oct 31, 1517

    Luther Posts The 95 Theses

    Luther posts his complaints of the RCC, the 95 Theses, on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in an effort to spark debate. He even sent copies to multiple bishops and friends, but his efforts return little response.
  • The 95 Theses Gain Traction
    1519

    The 95 Theses Gain Traction

    Luther debates Johann Eck in Leipzig on indulgences and Papal authority. This debate creates buzz around Luther and his theses.
  • The Inquisition
    Jan 9, 1520

    The Inquisition

    The RCC begins their inquisition against Luther for heresy. Luther writes Mediation of Christ's Passion, Treatise on Good Works, and The Papacy in Rome.
  • The Church's Attack On Luther
    Jun 15, 1520

    The Church's Attack On Luther

    Pope Leo issues bull of excommunication against Luther on June 15th. Luther then writes The Babylonian Captivity on October 6th, causing him to irreversibly set himself against Rome. His books are burned in Cologne as well as other cities across Europe. Luther in return publicly burns Pope Leo's bull of excommunication.
  • Luther Is Excommunicated
    Jan 3, 1521

    Luther Is Excommunicated

    Luther is officially excommunicated in the bull Decet Romanum Pontificem. Emporer Charles V demands Luther to appear before the Diet of Worms. As Luther arrives, a cheering crowd greets him.
  • The Edict of Worms
    May 26, 1521

    The Edict of Worms

    The emperor takes Rome's side, wanting Luther condemned immediately. The Edict of Worms is signed, condemning Luther's teachings and banning him from the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Luther Teaches Again
    1522

    Luther Teaches Again

    The ban on Luther and his followers is lifted in February. Luther begins preaching throughout Germany. In September, he publishes the German New Testament.