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496
Clovis had himself and his tribe baptized
Clovis converted himself and his tribe to Roman Catholicism. Through this he brought widespread conversion and religious unification among the Franks. Roman Catholicism set Clovis apart from other Germanic leaders and gave him certain advantages, such as the support of the church hierarchy, that allowed him to expand his empire. This conversion reflected the belief of the time period that people should follow God's will. It also reflects the time period's spreading of Christianity. -
732
Charles Martel defeats the Arabs in the Battle of Tours
After Muhammads death the Islamic empire began to spread with the intention of spreading Islam. Charles Martel lead the Frankish army to victory and protected Christianity in the process.If Martel would of lost Islam would of been brought into an area that is important for preserving and spreading Christianity. The Battle of Tours reflects the time period because the conquest's purpose was to fight for and protect each religion. -
800
Charlemagne declared the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by the Pope Leo III
Charlemagne saw himself as the defender of all Christians and Pope Leo III helped defend this. When the pope crowned him emperor he became the first German emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. This allowed Charlemagne to complete his mission to spread Christianity and unite most of Europe. -
962
Pope John XII crowned Otto the great Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
After Otto the Great declared Italy a German fief and bestowed it to a Lombard prince, Pope John XII crowned another German king emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, just as Charlemagne had been. This was the beginning of German rule in the papacy, which in years to come would lead to a power struggle between the king and the pope. -
Period: 1076 to 1122
Investiture Controversy
The dispute between church and state began with Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV over the ability to appoint local church officals through investiture. The pope saw himself as the head of the Church and ruler of all Christians, while the king saw himself as the protector of the Christian world. In the end, this weakened the emperor’s power and strengthened the papacy. It resulted in almost 50 years of civil war in Germany and more controversy that would last until 1122. -
1096
The First Crusade
Knights traveled to Jerusalem with aims to liberate it from Muslim rule. Once they got there they massacred all the Muslims and founded Jerusalem as a Christian kingdom. Jerusalem was consistently under Arab attack, therefore in order to protect it there were more crusades. During these crusades Christians discovered and brought to life Arab discoveries and teachings. This mission in the name of religion resulted in two cultures coming together and learning from each other's experiences. -
Period: 1305 to 1376
Babloyonian Captivity of the Popes
French kings had so much power from the land and soldiers they obtained by not assigning land to nobility, but to themselves that they were able to force the popes to leave Rome and live in France, in Avignon, so they could keep an eye on the. This was the beginning of the decline of the power of the papacy. It reflects the time periods continuous fight between power of church and state. -
1400
Beginnings of the renaissance in Italy
People’s aim was no longer to be a warrior or craftsmen who dedicated their life to God. People could think and judge for themselves. This was the beginning of people challenging the church and questioning faith. People, specially artist such as Leonardo De Vinci, wanted to understand the world around them no longer in a total religious sense. -
1517
Martin Luther's 95 Theses
Martin Luther, a monk in Germany, questioned the churches selling of indulgences. He didn't believe that God's forgiveness for sins could be bought with money. He believed this could fly be done through faith and following the Bible. He openly questioned the church and sparked debate. This resulted in the reformation and the creation of Lutherism. -
1533
The English Reformation
King Henry VIII of England withdrew his country from the Roman Church and made a Church of his own. This was a great loss for the authority of the papacy. This took England away from the all powerful force of the time periods before: The Roman Catholic Church.
