World History - Important Events (320-1355)

Constantine Becomes Emperor of Rome

324

Constantine was the renowned leader who conquered his enemies under the name of Jesus Christ. He had become one of the four emperors of Rome around 12 years earlier, but after he defeated the other Augustus Maxentius and then his runner-up Licentius, Constantine could claim rule over the whole of the Roman Empire. He converted it to Christianity and moved the capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. This event was important because it caused Rome to do a 180 and become powerful.

Vandals Sack Rome

455

The Vandals were a Germanic tribe that had become somewhat integrated in Roman culture. They had been driven away from their homeland in part due to the Huns, and had been at war with Rome for around 40 years before they sacked Rome. Led by the barbarian king Gaiseric, an army of 80,000 men conquered much of Italy and remained in power until after Gaiseric's death. Although the original meaning of the word "vandal" means "wanderer," it's used mainly to describe destruction and barbaric action.

Clovis becomes King of the Franks

481

Clovis was a Frankish king that ruled in the late 5th century and early 6th century. He was a crucial character in the transition from the Roman Empire to Europe, and he is famously compared to Constantine by Gregory of Tours, having been a Christian king. He is credited with being the political and religious stabilizer of the Franks. His empire stretched across much of Gaul (France) and survived for more than 200 years.

The Birth of Muhammad

570

Muhammad was a teacher in the early 7th century. He is best known for founding the religion of Islam, under the pretense of receiving visions from angels. Within 400 years after his lifetime, Islam became one of the largest and most powerful religions in history. Islam has never been persecuted or subjugated, unlike most other religions.

The Battle of Tours

732

The Battle of Tours was a massive battle fought between the Franks and a huge invading Muslim army. The battle took place near Tours, France, hence the name. The battle resulted in an amazing victory for the Franks, preventing the invasion of Europe by Islam. This battle is also called the Battle of Poitiers and the Battle of the Martyrs.

Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emperor

800

On Christmas Day, 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne the Emperor of the vast Holy Roman Empire. Before that, he was a military king of the Franks and spent most of his time in battle. After his death in 814, the Roman Empire basically spread over all of Europe. Some even call him the "father of Europe" for his efforts to revolutionize culture and intellect during his reign.

King Alfred beats defeats Danish Invaders

896

Alfred stood out as the only king who would not submit to Danish authority. He beat them in three different battles, in 878, 885, and in 896, which was dubbed the Battle of Edington. He also won the allegiance of England by capturing London from the Danes. Had he not resisted Denmark, Europe may well have been controlled by them even today.

Christianity reaches Russia

988

Missionaries from Byzantium came to Russia and spread the Gospel, beginning in the East Slavic state of Kievan Rus. 988 is adopted as the birth of Russian Christianity because it was the year the Grand Prince of Kiev Vladimir became a Christian and made a pact with the rest of the Christian world.

William of Normandy Conquers England

1066

William I of Normandy was the son of Robert I, and his childhood was riddled with unsuccessful plots on his life. By the age of 20, he had become a powerful leader, with the loyalty of France's Henry I. In 1066, William invaded Pevensey with an army of 7,000 men, easily conquering an unprotected and battle-worn England. His reign ended the "Anglo-Saxon" period of English history. On a more positive note, the introduction of French in courts allowed for the evolution that led to modern English

The First Crusade

1096

The First Crusade was the first of several "armed pilgrimages" to the Holy Land. The purpose of these wars was to free the Holy Land from Islamic rule. While the First Crusade was the only successful crusade of all of them, it's important because it realized the power of the Pope as a political figure. It also gave Christianity a bad impression that is still prevalent today.

Genghis Khan founds the Mongols

1206

Genghis Khan was born a relatively poor child in the late 12th century. As a young man, he proved his military tact and succeeded in uniting the previously nomadic tribes of the Mongols. Under this empire, commerce between Europe and Asia became possible and profitable, and while the empire was relatively short-lived, it was by far the largest empire of its time, stretching across most of Eurasia.

The Beginning of the Hundred Years War

1337

The Hundred Years war, although not really a period of continuous battle, was nonetheless a long periodic conflict between England and France. It began when Edward III of England was denied the French Throne, despite being a grandson of the current French King. The 116-year war resulted in England losing, the French monarchy being strengthened, and England shifting and cultivating an expansionist viewpoint.