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Nov 10, 1483
Birth of Martin Luther
Born in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany -
Period: May 14, 1501 to May 14, 1505
Law Studys
1501 - Aged 19, entered the University of Erfurt
1505 - Achieved his master's degree -
Jul 2, 1505
Decision of becoming a Monk
During a thunderstorm, he was knocked to the ground by lightning and yelled, "If you help me now, St Anne, I will become a monk." -
Jul 17, 1505
Leaving Education
Left his law school, sold all his books and entered a closed Augustinian firary in Erfurt. -
May 14, 1510
Trip to Rome
Went with great enthusiasm, but was very disappointed with the lifestyle of the pope and clergy -
May 14, 1511
Professor of Theology
Lectured on the Bible at the university of Wittenberg -
May 14, 1517
95 Theses
Wrote the 95 Theses and nailed them on the church door at Wittenberg. Confronted Johann Tetzel with them. -
May 14, 1519
The Debate
Held for 18 days between Luther and John Eck (supporting the Church). Luther declared he was a heretic, yet still would not recant. -
May 14, 1520
The Issued Bull
Pope Leo X demands that Luther recant within 2 months or be excommunicated. Luther burned the bull after the deadline since they (the Church) burned his books. -
Period: Apr 17, 1521 to Apr 18, 1521
The Trial
Was asked by the counselor if the 95 Theses were his works and whether he would recant. Agreed that they were his works, but still did not recant. Later declared a heretic. -
May 14, 1521
Kidnapped!
"Kidnapped" by the ruler of Saxony (Fredrick the Wise) and was hidden safely in the Wartburg Castle for 9 months. During this time, he translated the Bible into German. -
Period: May 16, 1522 to May 16, 1534
The New Bible
1522: Published the Old Testament in German
1534: Published the New Testament and the whole Bible in German -
Apr 14, 1523
The Escaped Nuns
Helped 12 nuns, including Katharina von Bora, escape from the Nimbschen Cistercian convent - arranged for them to be smuggled out in herring barrels. -
Period: May 14, 1524 to May 14, 1525
Peasant War
Peasants asked Luther for support against the wealthy princes, but Luther instead advised the princes to crush the rebellions. Over 100 000 rebels were executed. -
May 14, 1525
New Religion
Lutheranism was established since Luther's condemnation of the rebels had made his beliefs popular with the princes of Germany. This then made Germany split into Protestants and Catholics. -
Jun 13, 1525
Marriage
Martin (aged 41) and Katharina (aged 26) are married. -
Jun 14, 1526
Birth of First Child
Hans is born. -
Dec 10, 1527
Birth of Second Child
Elizabeth is born, however she died in a few months. -
May 14, 1529
Birth of Third Child
Magdalene is born, however, she died in Luther's arms in 1542. -
May 16, 1530
Augsburg Confession
Lutheran leaders stating their beliefs. Unfortunately, Luther was excommunicated so he could not attend - his friend Philipp Melanchthon (professor of Greek) prepared a summary of Luther's ideas - the basis of Lutheranism. -
May 14, 1531
Birth of Fourth Child
Martin is born. -
Jan 28, 1533
Birth of Fifth Child
Paul is born. -
May 14, 1534
Birth of Sixth and Final Child
Magaret is born. -
Feb 18, 1546
Death of Martin Luther
Suffered from illness and dies in Eisleben, Saxony (birthplace) -
May 16, 1555
Peace of Augsburg
Charles V - holy Roman emperor - allowed the German princes to choose whether their states should be Lutheran or Catholic (no other form of Protestantism was allowed)
