Church History in Plain Language

Master Timeline

Every dated event on this site, in order. Filter by era or by theme; click a chapter name to read the story behind the date.

  1. c. 1000 BCKing David makes Jerusalem his capital Ancient Israel
  2. c. 960 BCSolomon builds the First Temple Ancient Israel
  3. c. 930 BCKingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south) Ancient Israel
  4. 753 BCTraditional date of Rome's founding Rome and Its Empire
  5. c. 750 BCHomer's epics take shape The Greek Mind
  6. 722 BCAssyria destroys the northern kingdom of Israel Ancient Israel
  7. 587 BCBabylon destroys Jerusalem and the Temple; exile begins Ancient Israel
  8. 539 BCCyrus of Persia lets the exiles return Ancient Israel
  9. 515 BCSecond Temple completed Ancient Israel
  10. 509 BCRome becomes a republic Rome and Its Empire
  11. 399 BCSocrates executed in Athens The Greek Mind
  12. c. 387 BCPlato founds the Academy The Greek Mind
  13. 335 BCAristotle opens the Lyceum The Greek Mind
  14. 333 BCAlexander the Great begins conquering the Persian Empire The Greek Mind
  15. 332 BCAlexander the Great takes control of Judea Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  16. c. 300 BCZeno founds Stoicism The Greek Mind
  17. c. 250 BCSeptuagint translation begun in Alexandria The Greek Mind
  18. 167 BCAntiochus IV desecrates the Temple; Maccabean revolt begins Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  19. 164 BCTemple rededicated (origin of Hanukkah) Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  20. c. 150 BCQumran community (likely Essenes) founded near the Dead Sea Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  21. 146 BCRome destroys Carthage and Corinth, dominating the Mediterranean Rome and Its Empire
  22. 63 BCPompey captures Jerusalem; Judea falls under Roman control Rome and Its Empire
  23. 44 BCJulius Caesar assassinated Rome and Its Empire
  24. 37 BCHerod the Great becomes king of Judea under Rome Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  25. 31 BCBattle of Actium; Octavian (Augustus) becomes sole ruler Rome and Its Empire
  26. 27 BCAugustus becomes the first emperor Rome and Its Empire
  27. 20 BCHerod begins rebuilding the Temple Judaism in the Time of Jesus
  28. c. 6–4 BCJesus born, probably in the last years of Herod the Great Jesus of Nazareth
  29. c. AD 28John the Baptist's ministry; Jesus baptized Jesus of Nazareth
  30. c. AD 28–30Jesus' public ministry in Galilee and Judea Jesus of Nazareth
  31. c. AD 30Jesus crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate (some date it to 33) Jesus of Nazareth
  32. c. AD 30Pentecost: the Jerusalem church begins The Church in Jerusalem
  33. c. AD 34Stephen stoned, the first Christian martyr The Church in Jerusalem
  34. c. AD 34Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus Paul and the Gentiles
  35. c. AD 37Gentile believers in Antioch first called "Christians" The Church in Jerusalem
  36. c. AD 44James son of Zebedee executed by Herod Agrippa I The Church in Jerusalem
  37. c. AD 46–48Paul's first missionary journey (with Barnabas) Paul and the Gentiles
  38. c. AD 49Council of Jerusalem The Church in Jerusalem
  39. c. AD 49Council of Jerusalem: Gentiles need not be circumcised Paul and the Gentiles
  40. c. AD 49–52Second journey: Paul brings the gospel into Europe Paul and the Gentiles
  41. c. AD 501 Thessalonians, the oldest surviving Christian writing Writing the New Testament
  42. c. AD 50–60Paul's major letters (Galatians, Corinthians, Romans) Writing the New Testament
  43. c. AD 52Tradition: the apostle Thomas arrives in India Countries of the Sunrise
  44. c. AD 53–57Third journey; long stay at Ephesus Paul and the Gentiles
  45. c. AD 57Paul arrested in Jerusalem Paul and the Gentiles
  46. c. AD 60–62Paul under house arrest in Rome Paul and the Gentiles
  47. c. AD 62James the brother of Jesus executed in Jerusalem The Church in Jerusalem
  48. c. AD 64–67Paul and Peter executed in Rome under Nero (traditional) Paul and the Gentiles
  49. AD 64Great Fire of Rome; Nero blames Christians The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  50. AD 64Nero's persecution in Rome Persecution and Martyrs
  51. c. AD 65–70Mark, probably the first Gospel, written Writing the New Testament
  52. AD 66Jewish revolt against Rome begins The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  53. AD 70Romans destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  54. AD 73Fall of Masada, last rebel fortress The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  55. c. AD 80–90Matthew and Luke-Acts written Writing the New Testament
  56. c. AD 85Synagogue "blessing" against heretics adopted (date debated) The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  57. c. AD 90–100John's Gospel and Revelation written Writing the New Testament
  58. c. AD 961 Clement: Roman church writes to Corinth Bishops and Church Order
  59. c. AD 100The Didache describes baptism and Eucharist Worship and Daily Life
  60. c. AD 108Ignatius of Antioch martyred in Rome Persecution and Martyrs
  61. c. AD 108Ignatius' letters champion "one bishop" per city Bishops and Church Order
  62. c. AD 112Pliny asks Trajan how to handle Christians Persecution and Martyrs
  63. AD 132–135Bar Kokhba revolt; Jerusalem rebuilt as a pagan city The Fall of Jerusalem and the Parting of the Ways
  64. c. AD 140Valentinus teaches in Rome Gnostics, Marcion and the Rise of Orthodoxy
  65. AD 144Marcion expelled by the Roman church Gnostics, Marcion and the Rise of Orthodoxy
  66. c. AD 144Marcion's shortened canon Forming the Bible
  67. c. AD 155Polycarp of Smyrna burned at the stake Persecution and Martyrs
  68. c. AD 155Justin's First Apology addressed to the emperor Apologists and Thinkers
  69. c. AD 155Justin describes Sunday worship in Rome Worship and Daily Life
  70. c. AD 156–172Montanus and his prophetesses begin preaching in Phrygia Gnostics, Marcion and the Rise of Orthodoxy
  71. c. AD 165Justin martyred in Rome Apologists and Thinkers
  72. c. AD 170Tatian compiles the Diatessaron in Syriac Countries of the Sunrise
  73. AD 177Martyrs of Lyon Persecution and Martyrs
  74. c. AD 178Celsus writes True Word attacking Christianity Apologists and Thinkers
  75. c. AD 180Irenaeus writes Against Heresies Gnostics, Marcion and the Rise of Orthodoxy
  76. c. AD 180Irenaeus insists on four Gospels Forming the Bible
  77. c. AD 190Pope Victor tries to impose Rome's Easter date Bishops and Church Order
  78. c. AD 197Tertullian's Apology Apologists and Thinkers
  79. c. AD 200Muratorian Fragment (date debated) lists accepted books Forming the Bible
  80. c. AD 200Clement heads the catechetical school in Alexandria Apologists and Thinkers
  81. c. AD 200Catacombs of Callixtus in use in Rome Worship and Daily Life
  82. c. AD 200Christianity well established in Edessa Countries of the Sunrise
  83. AD 203Perpetua and Felicity die in the arena at Carthage Persecution and Martyrs
  84. c. AD 215Apostolic Tradition (attributed to Hippolytus) describes ordinations Bishops and Church Order
  85. c. AD 215Apostolic Tradition describes the catechumenate Worship and Daily Life
  86. c. AD 224Sasanian Persian Empire founded Countries of the Sunrise
  87. c. AD 230Origen moves to Caesarea Apologists and Thinkers
  88. c. AD 232House church at Dura-Europos decorated Worship and Daily Life
  89. c. AD 248Origen's Against Celsus Apologists and Thinkers
  90. AD 250Decius orders empire-wide sacrifice Persecution and Martyrs
  91. c. AD 251Cyprian writes On the Unity of the Church Bishops and Church Order
  92. c. AD 251Roman church supports 1,500 widows and poor Bishops and Church Order
  93. c. AD 254Origen dies after torture under Decius Apologists and Thinkers
  94. AD 258Cyprian of Carthage beheaded under Valerian Persecution and Martyrs
  95. c. AD 270Antony withdraws to the Egyptian desert The Desert and the Monastery
  96. AD 301Armenia becomes the first Christian kingdom (traditional date) Countries of the Sunrise
  97. AD 303Diocletian's "Great Persecution" begins Persecution and Martyrs
  98. AD 306Constantine proclaimed emperor by his troops at York Constantine
  99. AD 311Galerius' edict ends persecution in the East Persecution and Martyrs
  100. AD 312Battle of the Milvian Bridge Constantine
  101. AD 313"Edict of Milan" grants religious freedom Constantine
  102. c. AD 318Arius' teaching condemned in Alexandria Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  103. c. AD 320Pachomius founds the first communal monastery at Tabennisi The Desert and the Monastery
  104. AD 321Sunday made a public day of rest Constantine
  105. AD 324Constantine becomes sole emperor Constantine
  106. c. AD 325Eusebius sorts books into accepted, disputed and rejected Forming the Bible
  107. AD 325Council of Nicaea Constantine
  108. AD 325First Council of Nicaea; Nicene Creed adopted Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  109. AD 328Athanasius becomes bishop of Alexandria Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  110. c. AD 330sEthiopian king Ezana of Aksum converts Countries of the Sunrise
  111. AD 330Constantinople dedicated as new capital Constantine
  112. AD 335Athanasius exiled for the first of five times Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  113. AD 337Constantine baptized on his deathbed Constantine
  114. AD 340sGreat persecution of Christians in Persia under Shapur II Countries of the Sunrise
  115. AD 341Ulfilas begins mission to the Goths (Arian form) Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  116. AD 354Augustine born at Thagaste, North Africa Augustine of Hippo
  117. AD 359Councils of Rimini and Seleucia favor Arian-leaning creed Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  118. c. AD 360Athanasius' Life of Antony spreads the monastic ideal The Desert and the Monastery
  119. c. AD 360sBasil writes his monastic rules in Cappadocia The Desert and the Monastery
  120. AD 361–363Julian "the Apostate" tries to revive paganism Constantine
  121. AD 367Athanasius' Easter letter lists exactly the 27 New Testament books Forming the Bible
  122. AD 372Martin becomes bishop of Tours The Desert and the Monastery
  123. AD 373Athanasius dies Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  124. AD 373Joins the Manichees Augustine of Hippo
  125. AD 376Goths cross the Danube into the empire Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  126. AD 380Edict of Thessalonica: Nicene Christianity the official religion Constantine
  127. AD 381First Council of Constantinople; Nicene Creed expanded Arius and the Council of Nicaea
  128. AD 381Apollinarius' views condemned at Constantinople Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  129. AD 382–405Jerome translates the Latin Vulgate Forming the Bible
  130. AD 384Becomes professor of rhetoric in Milan Augustine of Hippo
  131. AD 386Conversion in a Milan garden Augustine of Hippo
  132. AD 387Baptized by Ambrose at Easter Augustine of Hippo
  133. AD 391–392Theodosius bans pagan sacrifice Constantine
  134. AD 395Empire permanently divided into East and West Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  135. AD 396Becomes bishop of Hippo Augustine of Hippo
  136. AD 397Council of Carthage confirms the canon in the West Forming the Bible
  137. c. AD 397–400Writes the Confessions Augustine of Hippo
  138. 406Vandals, Alans and Sueves cross the Rhine Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  139. 410Alaric's Goths sack Rome Augustine of Hippo
  140. 410Alaric's Visigoths sack Rome Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  141. 410Synod of Seleucia-Ctesiphon organizes the Persian church Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  142. 411Conference at Carthage condemns Donatists Augustine of Hippo
  143. 413–426Writes The City of God Augustine of Hippo
  144. c. 423Simeon the Stylite climbs his pillar The Desert and the Monastery
  145. 424Persian church declares independence from Western bishops Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  146. 428Nestorius becomes bishop of Constantinople Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  147. c. 430John Cassian brings Egyptian monasticism to Gaul The Desert and the Monastery
  148. 430Dies as Vandals besiege Hippo Augustine of Hippo
  149. 431Council of Ephesus: Mary declared Theotokos; Nestorius deposed Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  150. 440Leo the Great becomes pope Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  151. 449"Robber Council" of Ephesus backs Eutyches Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  152. 449Leo's Tome sent to Constantinople Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  153. 451Council of Chalcedon: "two natures in one person" Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  154. 452Leo meets Attila the Hun Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  155. 455Vandals sack Rome Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  156. 476Last Western emperor deposed by Odoacer Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  157. 489Emperor Zeno closes the "School of the Persians" at Edessa Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  158. 494Pope Gelasius' "two powers" letter Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  159. c. 496Clovis, king of the Franks, baptized as a Catholic Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  160. 527–565Justinian reconquers Italy and North Africa; builds Hagia Sophia Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  161. c. 529Benedict founds Monte Cassino The Desert and the Monastery
  162. 537Hagia Sophia dedicated Byzantium and the Icons
  163. c. 540Rule of Saint Benedict written The Desert and the Monastery
  164. c. 542Jacob Baradaeus begins ordaining Miaphysite clergy Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  165. 553Second Council of Constantinople tries to win back Miaphysites Who Is Christ? Ephesus and Chalcedon
  166. 563Columba founds Iona Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  167. 568Lombards invade Italy Rome Falls, the Papacy Rises
  168. 589Council of Toledo adds the filioque to the Creed in Spain The Great Schism of 1054
  169. 590Gregory the Great becomes pope Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  170. 590Columbanus leaves Ireland for the Continent Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  171. 597Augustine of Canterbury lands in Kent Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  172. 610Muhammad's first revelations (Muslim tradition) The Challenge of Islam
  173. 622The Hijra: Muhammad moves to Medina; start of the Islamic calendar The Challenge of Islam
  174. 632Muhammad dies The Challenge of Islam
  175. 635Alopen reaches the Chinese capital, Chang'an Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  176. 635Aidan founds Lindisfarne Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  177. 636Arabs defeat Byzantines at Yarmuk The Challenge of Islam
  178. 638Jerusalem surrenders to Caliph Umar The Challenge of Islam
  179. 642Alexandria and Egypt fall The Challenge of Islam
  180. 664Synod of Whitby chooses Roman customs Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  181. 680–681Sixth Council condemns Monothelitism Byzantium and the Icons
  182. 698Carthage falls The Challenge of Islam
  183. 711Muslim armies cross into Spain The Challenge of Islam
  184. 726Emperor Leo III begins iconoclasm (traditional date) Byzantium and the Icons
  185. 731Bede completes his Ecclesiastical History Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  186. 732Charles Martel stops Muslim raid near Tours/Poitiers The Challenge of Islam
  187. 732Charles Martel defeats Muslim raid near Poitiers Charlemagne and Christendom
  188. 750Abbasid caliphate founded; capital soon moved to Baghdad The Challenge of Islam
  189. 751Pepin becomes king of the Franks with papal approval Charlemagne and Christendom
  190. 754Boniface martyred in Frisia Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  191. 756"Donation of Pepin" creates the Papal States Charlemagne and Christendom
  192. 768Charlemagne becomes king Charlemagne and Christendom
  193. 772–804Wars against and forced conversion of the Saxons Charlemagne and Christendom
  194. 780–823Patriarch Timothy I oversees missions across Asia Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  195. 781Xi'an Stele erected in China Churches Beyond Chalcedon
  196. 787Second Council of Nicaea restores icons Byzantium and the Icons
  197. 793Vikings raid Lindisfarne Charlemagne and Christendom
  198. 800Charlemagne crowned emperor in Rome Charlemagne and Christendom
  199. 815Second phase of iconoclasm Byzantium and the Icons
  200. 843"Triumph of Orthodoxy": icons restored for good Byzantium and the Icons
  201. 843Treaty of Verdun divides the empire Charlemagne and Christendom
  202. 850sMartyrs of Córdoba The Challenge of Islam
  203. 863Cyril and Methodius sent to Moravia Byzantium and the Icons
  204. 863–867"Photian schism" between Rome and Constantinople The Great Schism of 1054
  205. 910Abbey of Cluny founded Charlemagne and Christendom
  206. 910Abbey of Cluny founded Monks and Friars
  207. 962Otto I crowned emperor: beginning of the Holy Roman Empire Charlemagne and Christendom
  208. 988Vladimir of Kyiv baptized Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  209. 988Vladimir of Kyiv baptized Byzantium and the Icons
  210. c. 1000Iceland accepts Christianity by vote Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Europe
  211. 1014Filioque sung in Rome at the coronation of Emperor Henry II The Great Schism of 1054
  212. 1049Leo IX begins papal reform Popes Against Kings
  213. 1054Mutual excommunications in Constantinople The Great Schism of 1054
  214. 1059Cardinals given the right to elect the pope Popes Against Kings
  215. 1071Seljuk Turks defeat Byzantines at Manzikert The Crusades
  216. 1073Gregory VII becomes pope Popes Against Kings
  217. 1077Henry IV does penance at Canossa Popes Against Kings
  218. 1078Anselm's Proslogion (the ontological argument) Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  219. 1084Bruno founds the Carthusians Monks and Friars
  220. 1095Urban II preaches the First Crusade at Clermont The Crusades
  221. 1096Crusaders massacre Jews in the Rhineland The Crusades
  222. 1098Cîteaux founded: the Cistercians Monks and Friars
  223. 1098Anselm's Why God Became Man Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  224. 1099Crusaders capture Jerusalem The Crusades
  225. 1115Bernard becomes abbot of Clairvaux Monks and Friars
  226. 1119Knights Templar founded The Crusades
  227. c. 1120Abelard's Sic et Non Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  228. 1122Concordat of Worms settles investiture Popes Against Kings
  229. 1144Fall of Edessa The Crusades
  230. 1144Suger's choir at Saint-Denis: the first Gothic building Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  231. 1147–1149Second Crusade fails The Crusades
  232. c. 1150Hildegard of Bingen founds Rupertsberg Monks and Friars
  233. c. 1150Peter Lombard's Sentences Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  234. 1163–1345Notre-Dame de Paris built Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  235. 1170Thomas Becket murdered in Canterbury Cathedral Popes Against Kings
  236. c. 1173Valdes of Lyon gives away his wealth Monks and Friars
  237. 1187Saladin retakes Jerusalem The Crusades
  238. 1189–1192Third Crusade The Crusades
  239. 1198Innocent III becomes pope Popes Against Kings
  240. c. 1200Universities of Paris and Oxford take shape Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  241. 1204Crusaders sack Constantinople The Great Schism of 1054
  242. 1204Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople The Crusades
  243. 1209Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars The Crusades
  244. 1209Francis's rule approved by Innocent III Monks and Friars
  245. 1212Clare founds the Poor Clares Monks and Friars
  246. 1213King John of England submits to the pope Popes Against Kings
  247. 1215Fourth Lateran Council Popes Against Kings
  248. 1216Dominican Order approved Monks and Friars
  249. 1219Francis of Assisi meets the Sultan in Egypt The Crusades
  250. 1265–1274Aquinas writes the Summa Theologiae Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  251. 1274Council of Lyon: short-lived reunion The Great Schism of 1054
  252. 1277Bishop of Paris condemns 219 philosophical propositions Cathedrals, Universities and Scholastics
  253. 1291Fall of Acre, last crusader stronghold The Crusades
  254. 1302Boniface VIII's bull Unam Sanctam Popes Against Kings
  255. 1303Boniface humiliated at Anagni Popes Against Kings
  256. 1309Papacy moves to Avignon The Late Medieval Crisis
  257. c. 1340sGregory Palamas defends hesychast prayer Byzantium and the Icons
  258. c. 1340Sergius of Radonezh founds the Holy Trinity monastery Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  259. 1347–1351Black Death kills a third or more of Europe's people The Late Medieval Crisis
  260. 1377Gregory XI returns the papacy to Rome The Late Medieval Crisis
  261. 1378Great Western Schism begins: two rival popes The Late Medieval Crisis
  262. 1382Wyclif's followers produce the first complete English Bible The Late Medieval Crisis
  263. c. 1395Julian of Norwich writes Revelations of Divine Love Monks and Friars
  264. 1409Council of Pisa adds a third pope The Late Medieval Crisis
  265. 1414–1418Council of Constance ends the schism The Late Medieval Crisis
  266. 1415Jan Hus burned at Constance The Late Medieval Crisis
  267. 1431Joan of Arc burned at Rouen The Late Medieval Crisis
  268. 1439Council of Florence: reunion signed, then rejected in the East The Great Schism of 1054
  269. 1448Russian church becomes self-governing Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  270. 1453Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Turks The Late Medieval Crisis
  271. 1453Constantinople falls; Ottomans rule Orthodox Greeks Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  272. c. 1455Gutenberg Bible printed at Mainz Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  273. 1478Spanish Inquisition established Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  274. 1483Luther born at Eisleben Martin Luther
  275. 1492Fall of Granada; Jews expelled from Spain; Columbus reaches the Americas Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  276. 1492Columbus reaches the Caribbean The Reformation Goes Global
  277. 1493Pope divides new lands between Spain and Portugal The Reformation Goes Global
  278. 1498Savonarola executed in Florence The Late Medieval Crisis
  279. 1505Caught in a thunderstorm, vows to become a monk Martin Luther
  280. 1506Afonso I becomes Christian king of Kongo The Reformation Goes Global
  281. 1509Erasmus' Praise of Folly Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  282. c. 1510Philotheus: Moscow is the "Third Rome" Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  283. 1511Montesinos preaches against abuse of Native peoples The Reformation Goes Global
  284. 1512–1517Fifth Lateran Council fails to reform the church Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  285. 1512Doctor of theology at Wittenberg Martin Luther
  286. 1516Erasmus' Greek New Testament Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  287. 1517Ximenes' Complutensian Polyglot Bible completed Christianity on the Eve of Reform
  288. 1517Ninety-five Theses (31 October) Martin Luther
  289. 1517Oratory of Divine Love founded in Rome Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  290. 1519Leipzig Debate with Johann Eck Martin Luther
  291. 1519Zwingli begins preaching at Zürich Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  292. 1520Three great treatises; burns the papal bull Martin Luther
  293. 1521Diet of Worms: "Here I stand"; hidden at the Wartburg Martin Luther
  294. 1522German New Testament published Martin Luther
  295. 1522Affair of the Sausages in Zürich Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  296. 1524Luther's first hymnbook Reformation Legacies
  297. 1525Peasants' War; Luther marries Katharina von Bora Martin Luther
  298. 1525Zürich abolishes the Mass Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  299. 1525First adult "rebaptisms" in Zürich (21 January) The Radical Reformation
  300. 1525Thomas Müntzer executed after the Peasants' War The Radical Reformation
  301. 1526Tyndale's English New Testament printed Britain's Reformations
  302. 1527Schleitheim Confession; Michael Sattler burned The Radical Reformation
  303. 1527Felix Manz drowned in Zürich The Radical Reformation
  304. 1528Balthasar Hubmaier burned in Vienna The Radical Reformation
  305. 1528Capuchin friars approved Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  306. 1529"Protestants" protest at Speyer; Marburg Colloquy Martin Luther
  307. 1529Marburg Colloquy: Luther and Zwingli disagree Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  308. 1530Augsburg Confession Martin Luther
  309. 1530sLucas Cranach paints Reformation altarpieces Reformation Legacies
  310. 1531Zwingli killed at the battle of Kappel Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  311. 1531Our Lady of Guadalupe appears to Juan Diego (tradition) The Reformation Goes Global
  312. 1534Complete German Bible Martin Luther
  313. 1534–1535Anabaptist kingdom of Münster The Radical Reformation
  314. 1534Act of Supremacy: Henry VIII head of the Church of England Britain's Reformations
  315. 1534Paul III becomes pope Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  316. 1535Thomas More and John Fisher executed Britain's Reformations
  317. 1536Calvin's Institutes first published; Calvin comes to Geneva Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  318. 1536Menno Simons leaves the Catholic priesthood The Radical Reformation
  319. 1536–1540Dissolution of the monasteries Britain's Reformations
  320. 1536Tyndale executed near Brussels Britain's Reformations
  321. 1539Great Bible placed in every parish church Britain's Reformations
  322. 1540Jesuits approved by Paul III Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  323. 1541Calvin returns to Geneva for good Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  324. 1541Regensburg colloquy: last serious attempt at reunion fails Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  325. 1542Roman Inquisition established Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  326. 1542Francis Xavier arrives in Goa The Reformation Goes Global
  327. 1542New Laws limit Native enslavement The Reformation Goes Global
  328. 1545–1563Council of Trent Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  329. 1546Luther dies at Eisleben Martin Luther
  330. 1546–1547Schmalkaldic War in Germany Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  331. 1549First Book of Common Prayer Britain's Reformations
  332. 1549Xavier reaches Japan The Reformation Goes Global
  333. 1550–1551Las Casas–Sepúlveda debate at Valladolid The Reformation Goes Global
  334. 1553Servetus burned in Geneva Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  335. 1553Mary I restores Catholicism Britain's Reformations
  336. 1554Castellio's Concerning Heretics pleads for tolerance Reformation Legacies
  337. 1555Peace of Augsburg Martin Luther
  338. 1555Peace of Augsburg Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  339. 1556Cranmer burned at Oxford Britain's Reformations
  340. 1559Geneva Academy founded; final edition of the Institutes Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  341. 1559Elizabethan Settlement Britain's Reformations
  342. 1559First papal Index of Forbidden Books Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  343. 1560Scottish Reformation Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  344. 1560Scottish Parliament adopts Reformation Britain's Reformations
  345. 1562Teresa of Ávila founds her first reformed convent Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  346. 1562French Wars of Religion begin Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  347. 1563Heidelberg Catechism Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  348. 1566Roman Catechism Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  349. 1568Dutch revolt against Spain begins Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  350. 1570Pope excommunicates Elizabeth Britain's Reformations
  351. 1570Roman Missal standardizes the Mass Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  352. 1572St Bartholomew's Day Massacre Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  353. 1573Warsaw Confederation guarantees religious peace in Poland Reformation Legacies
  354. c. 1580Faustus Socinus leads anti-Trinitarians in Poland The Radical Reformation
  355. 1588Spanish Armada defeated Britain's Reformations
  356. 1589Moscow becomes a patriarchate Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  357. 1597Twenty-six martyrs crucified at Nagasaki The Reformation Goes Global
  358. 1598Edict of Nantes grants Huguenots toleration Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  359. 1601Matteo Ricci enters Beijing The Reformation Goes Global
  360. 1605–1610Johann Arndt's True Christianity Pietists and Moravians
  361. 1609John Smyth begins the first Baptist church in Amsterdam Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  362. 1611King James Bible published Britain's Reformations
  363. 1612Thomas Helwys pleads for religious liberty Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  364. 1614Japan bans Christianity The Reformation Goes Global
  365. 1618–1619Synod of Dort Zwingli, Calvin and the Reformed
  366. 1618Defenestration of Prague starts the Thirty Years' War Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  367. 1620Pilgrims land at Plymouth on the Mayflower Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  368. 1620s–1638Cyril Lucaris, "Calvinist" patriarch, in Constantinople Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  369. 1622Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith founded Catholic Reformation and Renewal
  370. 1630Massachusetts Bay Colony founded Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  371. 1631Sack of Magdeburg Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  372. 1633Galileo condemned by the Roman Inquisition The Enlightenment
  373. 1636Roger Williams founds Providence on religious liberty Reformation Legacies
  374. 1636Roger Williams founds Providence, Rhode Island Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  375. 1637Descartes: "I think, therefore I am" The Enlightenment
  376. 1642–1651English Civil Wars Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  377. 1642English Civil War begins Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  378. 1646Westminster Confession of Faith Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  379. 1648Peace of Westphalia Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  380. 1649Charles I executed Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  381. 1652George Fox's vision on Pendle Hill: start of the Quakers Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  382. 1652–1666Patriarch Nikon's reforms; Old Believer schism Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  383. 1662Act of Uniformity ejects about 2,000 Puritan ministers Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  384. 1675Spener's Pia Desideria Pietists and Moravians
  385. 1678Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  386. 1681William Penn founds Pennsylvania Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  387. 1682Avvakum burned at the stake Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  388. 1685Louis XIV revokes the Edict of Nantes Wars of Religion and Westphalia
  389. 1687Newton's Principia The Enlightenment
  390. 1689Act of Toleration Puritans, Baptists and Quakers
  391. 1689Locke's Letter Concerning Toleration The Enlightenment
  392. 1695Francke founds his orphanage at Halle Pietists and Moravians
  393. 1696John Toland's Christianity Not Mysterious The Enlightenment
  394. 1703John Wesley born at Epworth John Wesley and the Methodists
  395. 1706Ziegenbalg and Plütschau, first Protestant missionaries to India Pietists and Moravians
  396. 1713Pope condemns Jansenism (bull Unigenitus) Pietists and Moravians
  397. 1720sFrelinghuysen's revivals in New Jersey The Great Awakening in America
  398. 1721Peter the Great abolishes the patriarchate; Holy Synod created Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  399. 1722Moravian refugees settle at Herrnhut Pietists and Moravians
  400. 1727Bach's St Matthew Passion Reformation Legacies
  401. 1727Moravian revival; 100-year prayer watch begins Pietists and Moravians
  402. 1729"Holy Club" at Oxford John Wesley and the Methodists
  403. 1732First Moravian missionaries sail to the Caribbean Pietists and Moravians
  404. 1734–1735Revival in Northampton under Jonathan Edwards The Great Awakening in America
  405. 1735–1737Wesleys' failed mission to Georgia John Wesley and the Methodists
  406. 1736Bishop Butler's Analogy of Religion The Enlightenment
  407. 1738John Wesley's heart "strangely warmed" at a Moravian meeting Pietists and Moravians
  408. 1738Aldersgate: John's heart "strangely warmed" (24 May) John Wesley and the Methodists
  409. 1739Wesley begins field preaching at Bristol John Wesley and the Methodists
  410. 1739–1740Whitefield's first great American preaching tour The Great Awakening in America
  411. 1740Gilbert Tennent's "Danger of an Unconverted Ministry" The Great Awakening in America
  412. 1741Wesley and Whitefield split over predestination John Wesley and the Methodists
  413. 1741Edwards preaches "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" The Great Awakening in America
  414. 1744First Methodist Conference John Wesley and the Methodists
  415. 1746Princeton (College of New Jersey) founded by New Light Presbyterians The Great Awakening in America
  416. 1747Brainerd dies; Edwards publishes his diary The Great Awakening in America
  417. 1748Hume's essay "Of Miracles" The Enlightenment
  418. 1751–1772Diderot's Encyclopédie The Enlightenment
  419. 1755Lisbon earthquake shakes faith in providence The Enlightenment
  420. 1758Edwards dies after smallpox inoculation The Great Awakening in America
  421. 1773Pope suppresses the Jesuits The Enlightenment
  422. 1773First Black Baptist church in Silver Bluff, South Carolina (c.) The Great Awakening in America
  423. 1776American Declaration of Independence The Great Awakening in America
  424. 1780Robert Raikes' Sunday school movement Saving Souls and Society
  425. 1781Kant's Critique of Pure Reason The Enlightenment
  426. 1782The Philokalia published in Venice Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  427. 1784Wesley ordains preachers for America; Methodist Episcopal Church founded John Wesley and the Methodists
  428. 1784Methodist Episcopal Church organized in Baltimore Christianity in America
  429. 1786Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom The Enlightenment
  430. 1787Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade Saving Souls and Society
  431. 1788Charles Wesley dies, having written over 6,000 hymns John Wesley and the Methodists
  432. 1789French Revolution begins; church lands nationalized Revolution and the Church
  433. 1789Olaudah Equiano's autobiography Saving Souls and Society
  434. 1789John Carroll becomes first US Catholic bishop Christianity in America
  435. 1790Civil Constitution of the Clergy Revolution and the Church
  436. 1791John Wesley dies John Wesley and the Methodists
  437. 1791First Amendment guarantees religious freedom The Great Awakening in America
  438. 1792September Massacres kill hundreds of priests Revolution and the Church
  439. 1792Carey's Enquiry; Baptist Missionary Society founded The Great Century of Missions
  440. 1793–1794Dechristianization; Cult of Reason; the Terror Revolution and the Church
  441. 1793Carey sails for India The Great Century of Missions
  442. 1794Russian Orthodox mission reaches Alaska Orthodoxy in Russia and the Ottoman World
  443. 1794Robespierre's Festival of the Supreme Being Revolution and the Church
  444. 1795British Methodists effectively separate from the Church of England John Wesley and the Methodists
  445. 1795London Missionary Society founded The Great Century of Missions
  446. 1799Pope Pius VI dies a prisoner in France Revolution and the Church
  447. 1799Church Missionary Society founded The Great Century of Missions
  448. 1799Schleiermacher's On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  449. 1801Napoleon's Concordat with Pius VII Revolution and the Church
  450. 1801Cane Ridge camp meeting in Kentucky Christianity in America
  451. 1802Chateaubriand's Genius of Christianity Revolution and the Church
  452. 1804Napoleon crowns himself emperor Revolution and the Church
  453. 1807Robert Morrison arrives in China The Great Century of Missions
  454. 1807Britain abolishes the slave trade Saving Souls and Society
  455. 1812Judsons sail for Burma The Great Century of Missions
  456. 1813Elizabeth Fry visits Newgate prison Saving Souls and Society
  457. 1816African Methodist Episcopal Church founded by Richard Allen Christianity in America
  458. 1825–1835Finney's revivals in New York's "Burned-over District" Christianity in America
  459. 1830Book of Mormon published; Church of Christ (Latter-day Saints) founded Christianity in America
  460. 1831Nat Turner's rebellion Christianity in America
  461. 1833Britain abolishes slavery in its empire Saving Souls and Society
  462. 1835Strauss's Life of Jesus Critically Examined Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  463. 1841Livingstone arrives in Africa The Great Century of Missions
  464. 1841Feuerbach's The Essence of Christianity Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  465. 1843Kierkegaard's Either/Or Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  466. 1844YMCA founded in London Saving Souls and Society
  467. 1844The "Great Disappointment" of the Millerites Christianity in America
  468. 1845Southern Baptist Convention formed over slavery Christianity in America
  469. 1846Pius IX elected pope Rome Against the Modern World
  470. 1848Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  471. 1848Revolution in Rome; Pius IX flees Rome Against the Modern World
  472. 1854Dogma of the Immaculate Conception Rome Against the Modern World
  473. 1858Marian apparitions at Lourdes Rome Against the Modern World
  474. 1859Darwin's On the Origin of Species Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  475. 1860Huxley–Wilberforce debate at Oxford Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  476. 1860Essays and Reviews controversy in England Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  477. 1863Seventh-day Adventist Church organized Christianity in America
  478. 1864Samuel Ajayi Crowther consecrated first African Anglican bishop The Great Century of Missions
  479. 1864Syllabus of Errors Rome Against the Modern World
  480. 1865Hudson Taylor founds the China Inland Mission The Great Century of Missions
  481. 1865William and Catherine Booth found the Salvation Army (as the Christian Mission) Saving Souls and Society
  482. 1865US Thirteenth Amendment ends slavery Saving Souls and Society
  483. 1868Lavigerie founds the White Fathers The Great Century of Missions
  484. 1869–1870First Vatican Council Rome Against the Modern World
  485. 1870Papal infallibility defined; Italian troops take Rome Rome Against the Modern World
  486. 1871–1878Bismarck's Kulturkampf against German Catholics Revolution and the Church
  487. 1875Moody and Sankey return from British campaign Christianity in America
  488. 1878Wellhausen's theory of the Pentateuch's sources Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  489. 1879Leo XIII endorses Thomas Aquinas Rome Against the Modern World
  490. 1879Christian Science founded by Mary Baker Eddy Christianity in America
  491. 1882Nietzsche: "God is dead" Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  492. 1886Student Volunteer Movement begins The Great Century of Missions
  493. 1891Rerum Novarum: first social encyclical Rome Against the Modern World
  494. 1891Rerum Novarum Saving Souls and Society
  495. 1900Boxer Uprising kills missionaries and Chinese Christians The Great Century of Missions
  496. 1900Harnack's What Is Christianity? Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  497. 1901Agnes Ozman speaks in tongues at Parham's Bible school, Topeka (1 January) Pentecostals and Charismatics
  498. 1904–1905Welsh Revival Pentecostals and Charismatics
  499. 1905France separates church and state Revolution and the Church
  500. 1906Schweitzer's Quest of the Historical Jesus Faith, Science and Liberal Theology
  501. 1906Azusa Street Revival begins in Los Angeles under William Seymour Pentecostals and Charismatics
  502. 1907Pius X condemns Modernism Rome Against the Modern World
  503. 1907Rauschenbusch's Christianity and the Social Crisis Saving Souls and Society
  504. 1907Church of God in Christ becomes Pentecostal Pentecostals and Charismatics
  505. 1910World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh The Great Century of Missions
  506. 1910World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh The Ecumenical Movement
  507. 1910–1915The Fundamentals published Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  508. 1913–1915William Wadé Harris's preaching tour converts tens of thousands in West Africa The Global South
  509. 1914First World War begins; German theologians back the Kaiser World Wars and the Confessing Church
  510. 1914Assemblies of God founded Pentecostals and Charismatics
  511. 1915Armenian genocide kills up to 1.5 million Armenian Christians World Wars and the Confessing Church
  512. 1917Bolshevik Revolution in Russia Christianity Under Communism
  513. 1918Soviet decree separates church and state; church property seized Christianity Under Communism
  514. 1919Barth's commentary on Romans World Wars and the Confessing Church
  515. 1921Simon Kimbangu's healing ministry in the Belgian Congo The Global South
  516. 1922Fosdick's sermon "Shall the Fundamentalists Win?" Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  517. 1923Aimee Semple McPherson opens Angelus Temple Pentecostals and Charismatics
  518. 1925Patriarch Tikhon dies after years of arrest Christianity Under Communism
  519. 1925Life and Work conference, Stockholm The Ecumenical Movement
  520. 1925Scopes "Monkey Trial" in Tennessee Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  521. 1927Metropolitan Sergius declares loyalty to the Soviet state Christianity Under Communism
  522. 1927Faith and Order conference, Lausanne The Ecumenical Movement
  523. 1929Lateran Treaty creates Vatican City Rome Against the Modern World
  524. 1929Machen leaves Princeton Seminary Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  525. 1933Hitler comes to power; "German Christians" win church elections World Wars and the Confessing Church
  526. 1933Concordat between the Vatican and Nazi Germany World Wars and the Confessing Church
  527. 1934Barmen Declaration founds the Confessing Church World Wars and the Confessing Church
  528. 1937Pius XI's encyclical Mit brennender Sorge condemns Nazi ideology World Wars and the Confessing Church
  529. 1937–1938Great Terror: tens of thousands of clergy shot Christianity Under Communism
  530. 1939Second World War begins World Wars and the Confessing Church
  531. 1940Taizé community founded by Brother Roger The Ecumenical Movement
  532. 1941Maximilian Kolbe dies at Auschwitz World Wars and the Confessing Church
  533. 1942Edith Stein murdered at Auschwitz World Wars and the Confessing Church
  534. 1942National Association of Evangelicals founded Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  535. 1943Stalin allows the Moscow Patriarchate to revive Christianity Under Communism
  536. 1945Gnostic library discovered at Nag Hammadi, Egypt Gnostics, Marcion and the Rise of Orthodoxy
  537. 1945Bonhoeffer hanged at Flossenbürg (9 April) World Wars and the Confessing Church
  538. 1945Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt World Wars and the Confessing Church
  539. 1947Church of South India unites Anglicans, Methodists and Reformed The Ecumenical Movement
  540. 1947Church of South India formed The Global South
  541. 1948World Council of Churches founded in Amsterdam The Ecumenical Movement
  542. 1948Oral Roberts' healing campaigns begin to spread Pentecostals and Charismatics
  543. 1949Communist victory in China; Cardinal Mindszenty's show trial Christianity Under Communism
  544. 1949Billy Graham's Los Angeles crusade Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  545. 1955–1956Montgomery Bus Boycott Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  546. 1956Christianity Today founded Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  547. 1958–1964Khrushchev closes thousands of churches Christianity Under Communism
  548. 1958John XXIII elected pope The Second Vatican Council
  549. 1958Yoido Full Gospel Church founded in Seoul Pentecostals and Charismatics
  550. 1959John XXIII announces a council The Second Vatican Council
  551. 1960Dennis Bennett announces charismatic experience; charismatic renewal begins Pentecostals and Charismatics
  552. 1960Year of African independence for many nations The Global South
  553. 1962Council opens (11 October) The Second Vatican Council
  554. 1963John XXIII dies; Paul VI continues the council The Second Vatican Council
  555. 1963Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy The Second Vatican Council
  556. 1963King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"; March on Washington Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  557. 1964Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism The Ecumenical Movement
  558. 1964Lumen Gentium; Decree on Ecumenism The Second Vatican Council
  559. 1965Excommunications of 1054 lifted by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras The Great Schism of 1054
  560. 1965Catholic–Orthodox excommunications of 1054 lifted The Ecumenical Movement
  561. 1965Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes, Dignitatis Humanae, Nostra Aetate The Second Vatican Council
  562. 1965Council closes (8 December) The Second Vatican Council
  563. 1966–1976Cultural Revolution in China Christianity Under Communism
  564. 1967Catholic charismatic renewal begins at Duquesne University Pentecostals and Charismatics
  565. 1968Humanae Vitae on birth control The Second Vatican Council
  566. 1968Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  567. 1968Medellín: Latin American bishops proclaim "option for the poor" The Global South
  568. 1970New Roman Missal introduced The Second Vatican Council
  569. 1971Gutiérrez's A Theology of Liberation The Global South
  570. 1974Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  571. 1978Karol Wojtyła elected Pope John Paul II Christianity Under Communism
  572. 1978–2005Pontificate of John Paul II Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  573. 1979Moral Majority founded Evangelicals and Fundamentalists
  574. 1980Solidarity movement in Poland Christianity Under Communism
  575. 1980Archbishop Óscar Romero assassinated The Global South
  576. 1982Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry document (Lima) The Ecumenical Movement
  577. 1984Desmond Tutu wins Nobel Peace Prize The Global South
  578. 1988Archbishop Lefebvre excommunicated The Second Vatican Council
  579. 1989Fall of the Berlin Wall; revolutions across Eastern Europe Christianity Under Communism
  580. 1990sPentecostal boom in Latin America, Africa and Asia Pentecostals and Charismatics
  581. 1991Soviet Union collapses Christianity Under Communism
  582. 1994End of apartheid in South Africa The Global South
  583. 1999Catholic–Lutheran Joint Declaration on Justification The Ecumenical Movement
  584. 2001September 11 attacks spark new debates about religion and violence Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  585. 2002Philip Jenkins' The Next Christendom The Global South
  586. 2002Boston Globe exposes clergy sexual abuse cover-up Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  587. 2003Consecration of an openly gay bishop divides the Anglican Communion Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  588. 2005Benedict XVI elected Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  589. 2013First Latin American pope elected The Global South
  590. 2013Benedict XVI resigns; Francis elected Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  591. 2015Laudato Si' on care for creation Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  592. 2017Catholics and Lutherans commemorate the Reformation together The Ecumenical Movement
  593. 2018Ukrainian Orthodox Church independence; Moscow breaks with Constantinople Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  594. 2022Russia invades Ukraine; churches divided Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  595. 2023United Methodist split over sexuality largely completed Christianity Today and Tomorrow
  596. 2025Pope Francis dies; Leo XIV elected; 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea Christianity Today and Tomorrow