MIddle Ages

Papal States

756

The Papal States was established, which made the Pope not only a religious leader, but also a worldly ruler, consequently he got political power.

Battle of Hastings

1066

William the Conqueror could defeat the English Saxons. As a result, he and his Normands could conquer the territory, hebetated by Saxons.

Walk to Canossa

1077

Walk to Canossa was one of the most important movements of the investiture fights. Henry IV. was excommunicated, which meant he could be killed anywhere in Europe without committing sin. One of the most reasonable ways to survive was to walk to Canossa and beg for pardon for 3 days, due to the fact that in this case, the Pope had to forgive him.

Concordat of Worms

1122

The Concordat of Worms was a peace treaty between Henry V. and the new Pope, Callixtus the II. As a result, the Pope could appoint the bishop and the bishops became the vassals of the emperor. That was an important step in the religious life in England.

German Hanse - Hansen League

1161

The Hansen League was an alliance between German ports (e.g. Hamburg, Rostock, Bremen). It had a great impact on Europe, due to the fact that they controlled the Atlantic region, so also the important trade routes.

Battle at Legnano

1176

At Legnano, the Pope with the support of the mercenary infantry fought against the emperor's knight, the chivalry. The Pope won, which could represent the power of the religion. The result of the conflicts was that the Roman Catholic Church became the most powerful organization in the known world, in Europe.

Battle at Hattin

1187

Sultan Saladin could manage to defeat the Christian army. That was a quite important battle because that could provide Saladin that they could recapture Jerusalem.

Magna Carta Libertatum

1215

The royal vassals wanted rights, so the lords forced the king to issue the Magna Carta Libertatum. That contained 67 points and these points limited the king's power, so he couldn't levy taxes without the support of the Great Council. One of the most important parts of the libertatum was that if the king hadn't followed any of the points, the resistance would have been allowed.

Edward I - Model Parliament

1295

Edward I. wanted to start a war against Wales, which meant he needed money. As a result, he wanted to raise the taxes, but it was only possible without any trouble if all the states agree on it. This is the reason why the king called the parliament, this gave chance for a successful war.

Estates General

1302

Philip IV wanted to tax the Church, but he unsucceeded with battles. In 1302 he wanted to be sure about the victory against the Flanders, consequently he called the Estates General together. As a result, he could manage to won against them.