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230
Earlier Public Churches
The earliest known public churches are built, signaling a shift in Christians' life and practice. -
313
The Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan; made by Constantine I the Roman Emperor, Christianity no longer persecuted. -
358
Basil the Great
Basil the Great founds a monastery, laying foundations for religious communities ever after. -
390
Ambrose Defies Emperor Theodosius
Ambrose defies Emperor Theodosius, refusing him Communion after his brutal killing of thousands in Thessalonica; the act influences church-state relations for generations. -
590
Gregory the Great
Gregory the Great becomes pope: The "first of the medieval popes" takes on civil power and lays the foundations for the papal state. He also commissions, in 597, Augustine's mission to England, which converts the pagan Angles. -
732
Battle of Tours
Battle of Tours: Frankish general Charles Martel halts the seemingly unstoppable Muslim invasion, keeping Europe under Christian control. -
910
The Monastery at Cluny
The monastery at Cluny is founded, the genesis of a reform movement that spreads to over 1,000 communities and revitalizes monastic life for hundreds of years. -
1115
Benard founds Monastery at Clairvaux
Benard founds monastery at Clairvaux: The "father of Western mysticism" strengthens the monastic tradition. -
1215
Innocent III Calls the Fourth Lateran Council
Innocent III calls the Fourth Lateran Council, which climaxes the rule of the medieval church's most influential pope and defines transubstantiation. -
1380
John Wyclif
John Wyclif supervises Bible translation, leaving the first complete English Bible.
