European Religious Events of 600-1550

Rise of Benedictine Monasteries

500

The Benedictine Monks follow a rule created by St.Benedict. This rule prioritizes a complete devotion to god and includes prayer, labor, chastity, and study. The rise of these monks signal an important shift to the integration of Christianity in daily life. Also, these monks valued education and preserved the Greek and Latin texts and poems that were not so popular at the time.

European Religious Events of 600 to 1550

Period: 500 to 1550

Muhammed Sees Archangel Gabriel

610

When Muhammed saw Gabriel, life in Arabia was completely transformed. Muhammed was in Hira when Gabriel told him he was the last prophet and to read five verses, which then became the Quran. These verses were thought to be directly from god commanding the people of Arabia to practice monotheism. This day forever changed history because Muhammed started to preach his ideas through the peninsula and started the religion of Islam.

Battle of Tours

732

At the Battle of Tours, leader Charles Martel defeated a large army of Spanish Moors. The Frankish army lost around 1,000 people while the Islamic army lost around 10,000 people. This defeat halted Islamic expansion into the European world and preserved Christianity as the most dominant faith of Europe.

Charlemagne Crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III

Dec 25, 800

When Charlemagne was crowned by the pope it established him as the most powerful emperor of the time and also created a new Holy Empire. This Holy Empire was united under the force of Christianity and the faith further spread throughout Europe. This was the first step to create a united society since Rome.

Investiture Controversy

1078

The Investiture Controversy was a competition for power between Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV. The two were fighting about who should elect the next bishop and eventually the Pope excommunicated Henry. Henry was forced to apologize to the Pope and this showed a shift from the power medieval kings to the church. Religion now had the most influence in Europe.

The First Crusade

1096

The 11th century saw a rise in the Seljuk Empire who conquered Jerusalem making it hard for Christians to visit. Pope Urban issued a crusade against the Muslims to reclaim the land. This was the first time the pope called a holy war and the first time the two religions had a major battle since Tours. This first crusade marks a beginning in connection between the two religions.

The Crusade of King Frederick II

1228

Frederick went to the Holy Land on a crusade to receive the Pope's approval. He was able to retake the Holy land without spilling any Christian blood through civil agreements with the Muslims. While there, he also crowned himself the King of Jerusalem signaling Catholicism's power in the Holy Land. His crusade was also significant because it marked peace between the two religions.

The Renaissance

1300

The Renaissance completely change how people viewed Christianity. People began to read more Greek and Latin writings which caused them to question religion and focus more on the human individual. During this time period, people wanted to spend money on art work and sculptures instead of building elaborate churches. This led to an increase of secularism that had not been seen in decades.

Finding of the New World

1492

After Columbus found the Americas, the two continents started two trade goods and materials for the first time. One thing that Europe spread to the Americas was Christianity. Europeans thought that their religion was more advanced and sought to convert the natives. 1492 marked the beginning of Christianity's influence on America.

Martin Luther Writes the Ninety Five Theses

Oct 31, 1517

By writing the 95 Theses, Luther was the first person to retaliate against church corruption and bring awareness to the people. Luther stressed that faith alone would lead to salvation, not money or indulgences. Luther's message spread through Germany and many people began to question what it meant to be a true Christian. Because of this document, people began to doubt the church and want to reform it.