Religion, 600-1550 Euro

Muhammad and the Creation of Islam

600

Muhammad establishes a new religion in the Middle East, Islam. In the future, this will create conflict and tensions with Christians because of both of their claims to Jerusalem as their holy land.

Battle of Tours

732

This battle was a result of the increasing desire of Islam to spread. This battle resulted in more tensions between Muslims and Christians, and proved to Europeans that the Muslims could be defeated again in the future.

Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire

800

Charlemagne conquers and unifies Western Europe. He uses force as a means of converting the various Duchys to Christianity. In 800 the Pope crowns Charlemagne, creating the very short-lived Holy Roman Empire.

Schism of East and West

1054

Throughout the history of Europe, the theological ideas of the western and eastern churches became increasingly contrasted. This schism in 1054 was the final solidification of the differences between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Henry IV Vs. Gregory VII

1076

There was a dispute between the true Christian ruler: the Pope or the Emperor. Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry IV, diminishing his claim to the throne by rejecting him from the Church. Henry eventually had his excommunication reversed and became emperor, but this dispute solidified the idea that the Pope was the true Christian leader

The Crusades

1096

Because of knights' loyalty to Christendom, with the direction from the Pope, an army of knights went to Jerusalem to liberate it from the Arabs. The Crusades included many bloody battles, increasing the tensions between Christians and Muslims. However, the Crusades resulted in Europeans learning about Arab Culture

Changes in Cities

1190

With the advent of markets selling goods, people were now specializing in different crafts such as blacksmithing or masonry. Eventually cities would use these workers to build bigger and better churches for all to come and hear the preaching of clergy. However, it was around this time when more and more people started to resent the Jewish people.

King John and the Magna Carta

1215

Pope Innocent III had great dominion over a majority of Europe to the point where King John was excommunicated from disobeying orders, leading to the English Nobility taking away King John's power. What resulted was the signing of the Magna Carta, one of the first instances of a king acknowledging his power was not absolute, giving some power to the people

Western Schism (The Great Schism)

1378

This schism divided the Roman Catholics between two popes. The followers of the Popes were divided, and the claims of rightful papacy ( as well as hostile claims from one pope to the other) discouraged many people from trusting the church.

Martin Luther Writes the 95 Theses

1517

Martin Luther writes a list of critiques of the Catholic Church. Luther attacked the idea of having to pay for salvation, emphasizing the importance of faith. These theses sparked the protestant reformation, dividing the church.