Summer homework

Muhammad the Prophet is born

571

Born in Mecca, Muhammad was responsible for preaching and ultimately starting the religion of Islam. After his death, the Islamic empire spread all over the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa, and even into Europe. This new religion united a diverse group of people, encouraged learning, and was incredibly powerful.

Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor

800

The Roman Empire had been considered to be destroyed for almost 400 years, so Charlemagne being crown Holy Roman Emperor is as confusing as it is significant. While the title is certainly contradictory, his rule over France and Germany brought the revival of learning and a sense of unity that Europe was lacking for several centuries. He strived to bring back the same glory that Rome once had and be the leader of all Christendom.

The Great schism

1054

When the Pope crowned Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor, the Byzantine Empire took this as a threat to their legitimacy. Relations between the Byzantines and the Holy Roman Empire began to weaken, and eventually, they formally split from the Roman Catholic Church. They became known as Eastern Orthodox Catholics and no longer recognized the Pope and Holy Roman Emperor as their leaders.

Going to Canossa

1077

Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV became enthralled in a struggle over who is the leader of Christendom. The public, as well as the bishops and lords, began to take sides as to who they thought was the ultimate leader. As Pope Gregory began to gain support, he excommunicated King Henry. As a result, he traveled to Canossa to get the ban lifted and by doing so, the Pope solidified his superior power.

The first crusade

1096

Pope Urban II called for a Crusade to recapture the holy land. Knights from France, Italy, and Germany seeking an adventure to fulfill their duties to the Pope ventured off to Jeruselum and successfully took control of the city. Pope Urban II was attempting to have better relations with the East Orthodox Catholics and unite the Catholic faith once more.

The Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

King John of England refused to carry out Pope Innocent III's orders so he was excommunicated and the Pope forbade mass from being carried out in England. The nobility and peasants became so angry with King John and took away almost all of his power. The Magna Carta became an agreement between the feudal lords and the King that put limitations on his power but settled their differences.

The Babylonian Captivity of the Popes

1305

The French kings became so rich and powerful that when they extended their control over southern Italy, they were able to force the popes to take residence in France. There they could hold them captive in magnificent palaces and keep a watchful eye on them. This continues the ongoing power struggle between the Pope and Kings.

The Plague

1347

The Plague was incredibly catastrophic, killing a whopping 1/3 of the human population. While not explicitly a religious event, it changed the religious mindset of those who survived. People began to think more secularly. There was more to life than going to church and working as peasants. Unfortunately, during the plague, many blamed those who were Jewish for causing the epidemic. This continues the trend of Jewish persecution throughout history.

95 theses are posted

Oct 31, 1517

The 95 theses were a way for Martin Luther to protest some of the teachings of the church. His main argument centered around the selling of indulgences. Paired with the invention of the printing press, a large majority of people were able to read his complaints. His followers became known as Protestants, and eventually broke off from the Catholic Church and formed their own religion, based on their interpretation of the bible.

King Henry VIII withdraws from the church

1533

King Henry VIII withdrew England from the Roman Catholic Church when the Pope would not allow him to divorce his wife, Cathrine of Aragon. He formed a new church of his own, the Anglican Church, where divorce was legal.