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Timeline: Religion

Years: c. 4000 BCE - 2005	Subject: Religion
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737206

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 4000 BCE	A passage grave with a superb corbelled dome is constructed on the île Longue off the southern coast of Brittany Go to passage grave in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Neolithic Architecture French architecture Europe France
c. 3100 BCE	The Egyptians paint murals on the walls of tombs, designed to help the occupants in the next world Go to Egyptian art in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Painting Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 2500 BCE	The first and largest of the three great pyramids at Giza is built for the pharaoh Khufu, later known to the Greeks as Cheops Go to Khufu (2609–2584bce) in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Seven Wonders of the World Architecture Africa North Africa Egypt A superb passage grave is built at Newgrange in Ireland Go to Newgrange, Co. Meath, Ireland in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Architecture British architecture British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Some ninety royal servants, including soldiers, grooms and female musicians, are buried alive in the tomb of a royal couple at Ur Go to Ur, Iraq in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Social and domestic Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Society Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation story, spreads in oral form Go to Enuma Elish in A Dictionary of Creation Myths (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE Literature Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq At Stonehenge, constructed and altered over many centuries, the largest stones are put in place Go to Stonehenge in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE British Isles Europe Britain To preserve bodies in perpetuity, the Egyptian ruling class develops the elaborate and lengthy process of mummifying an eviscerated corpse Go to mummification in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt It is not known when cats are first domesticated, but from the start of Egyptian civilization they are sacred animals in temples Go to Bastet (West Asia) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt To ensure continued comfort in the afterlife, rich Egyptians have models placed in their tombs of the necessary servants and utensils Go to shabti in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 2200 BCE	A ring of large standing stones is raised in England at Avebury, now a village in Wiltshire Go to Avebury in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Neolithic 3100-1000 BCE British Isles Europe Britain
2000 BCE	The god Ashur is worshipped at a shrine on the Tigris known by his name (the origin of the word Assyria) Go to Ashur in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Assyria and Babylon Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Lebanon and Syria The cemetery at Los Millares in Spain contains more than 100 beehive tombs Go to Los Millares Culture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Architecture Europe Spain
c. 1600 BCE	A bull-fighting fresco in the palace of Knossos is linked with the island's cult of the bull Go to Knossos culture in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Painting Europe Greece
c. 1550 BCE	Egyptian tombs include paintings of a kind to help the occupants in the next world, whether in the Book of the Dead or on the walls Go to Egyptian Book of the Dead in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Painting Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 1540 BCE	The god Osiris, in his tall white headdress, represents in Egyptian tombs the idea of resurrection in the next world Go to Osiris in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 1500 BCE	The Jews adopt a long-established Egyptian ritual - the circumcision of boys Go to Circumcision in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Judaism Social and domestic Africa North Africa Egypt Society The gods Amen and Re are merged at Thebes as Amen-Re, the most important deity in the Egyptian pantheon Go to Amen in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt The Aryans bring into India the roots of Hinduism, with the Brahmans as a priestly caste Go to Brahmans in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Sacrificial hymns of the Aryans, gathered in the Rigveda, become the earliest Sanskrit literature Go to Veda in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Literature Poetry Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 1400 BCE	Ancestor worship, a central theme of Chinese history, is practised by the royal family and high nobility in Shang times Go to ancestor worship in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia East Asia China China produces superb bronzes, in the ritual vessels for sacrifices to the ancestors Go to Chinese art in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia China
c. 1380 BCE	The pharaoh Amenhotep III commissions the great temple to Amen-Re at Luxor Go to Amun (West Asia) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Architecture Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 1353 BCE	The Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV adopts a new deity, Aten, and changes his name to Akhenaten Go to Akhenaten in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 1333 BCE	With the return to favour of the god Amen, the young Tutankhaten's name is changed to Tutankhamun Go to Tutankhamun (died c.1352 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 1300 BCE	Chinese priests record on oracle bones the result of their divination, thus providing the earliest examples of Chinese characters Go to Chinese writing system in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia East Asia China
c. 1250 BCE	The god of the Hebrews, announcing to Moses 'I Am Who I Am', acquires his name - YHWH, meaning 'He Who Is' Go to Yahweh in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Judaism Asia West Asia
c. 1200 BCE	Stone tablets, engraved by Moses to signify God's covenant with his people, are placed in a sacred chest - the ark of the covenant Go to Ark of the Covenant in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Judaism Asia West Asia
c. 1000 BCE	The Jews write down the Torah, the earliest part of the text subsequently known to Christians as the Old Testament Go to Torah in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The Israelites, settled in Canaan, become the first people in history to decide that their god is the only god Go to Israelites in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The Olmecs raise large clay platforms, probably with temples at the top, beginning the long American tradition of sacred pyramids Go to Olmec in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Mesoamerican civilization Architecture American architecture Latin America Central America Mexico Burial mounds feature in the Ohio valley, built first in the Adena culture and then by Hopewell tribes Go to Adena Complex in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Architecture American architecture American Indians North America United States
c. 960 BCE	Solomon, the king of Israel, builds the first Temple in Jerusalem Go to Temple, the in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 650 BCE	The Greek city states make a habit of consulting the oracle at Delphi, hoping mainly for reassurance Go to Delphi in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Europe Greece
c. 600 BCE	Isis, who is able to restore her husband Osiris after he has been chopped into pieces, becomes one of the most popular deities in Egypt Go to Isis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Africa North Africa Egypt Hindu hermits live in groups described as ashramas Go to āśrama in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
586 BCE	The Jews, taken into captivity in Babylon, form the first community of the Diaspora Go to diaspora in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Assyria and Babylon Judaism Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq
c. 580 BCE	The synagogue, as a simple place of Jewish worship, develops during the Babylonian captivity Go to synagogue in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Assyria and Babylon Judaism Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq The Iranian prophet Zoroaster teaches that there is one god, Ahura Mazda Go to Ahura Mazda in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
c. 550 BCE	The optimistic concept of the Messiah is part of the Jewish response to captivity in Babylon Go to Messiah in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Assyria and Babylon Judaism Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Croesus builds a spectacular temple at Ephesus in honour of Artemis, or Diana Go to Ephesus in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Seven Wonders of the World Asia West Asia Turkey
539 BCE	Returning to Jerusalem, the Jews begin to rebuild the Temple Go to Temple, the in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 500 BCE	The Chinese I Jing, or 'Classic of Changes', is compiled as a book of divination Go to I Ching in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Asia East Asia China Darius I adopts Zoroastrianism as the religion of the Persian empire Go to Zoroastrianism in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) The Magi, possibly converting from an earlier Iranian religion, become the priests of Zoroastrianism Go to Zoroastrianism in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
c. 470 BCE	Vardhamana, an Indian prince, leaves home to live as a beggar - at the start of the Jain religion Go to Jainism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 450 BCE	The Greek historian Herodotus visits Egypt and provides, among many other details, an account of the process of mummification Go to Herodotus (c. 490–c. 425 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 430 BCE	Siddartha Gautama, a prince in Nepal, leaves home to become a wandering ascetic Go to Buddha in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 424 BCE	Gautama Buddha preaches his first sermon, at Sarnath, setting out the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path Go to Buddhism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Gautama, after a night of meditation under a pipal tree at Buddh Gaya, is 'enlightened' and becomes the Buddha Go to bodhi in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 420 BCE	Buddha introduces a vigorous tradition of monasticism, in the order of Buddhist monks known as Sangha Go to Buddhism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE Monasticism Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 400 BCE	The Upanishads, written over a long period from oral tradition, are the mystical texts of early Hinduism Go to Upanishads in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Daodejing ('The Way and the Power') is the book of Daoism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Literature Philosophy Asia East Asia China
c. 350 BCE	Daoism, attributed to the mythical sage Lao Tzu, becomes a popular alternative to the solemnity of Confucianism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Asia East Asia China The Mahabharata, India's great national epic, begins to take shape Go to Mahabharata in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Literature Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
c. 300 BCE	Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma emerge as India's trio of main gods, with the Vedic religion of the Aryans evolving into Hinduism Go to Hinduism in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Vesta, goddess of the hearth, is served in Rome by virgin priestesses who tend the sacred flame in her shrine Go to Vestal virgin in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE 3rd century BCE Rome Europe Greece Italy
c. 280 BCE	The Jewish community of Alexandria coins the word diaspora for Jews living far from Israel Go to diaspora in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Judaism Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt The Jews of Alexandria commission the Greek translation of the Old Testament which becomes known as the Septuagint See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Judaism Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 250 BCE	Asoka, extending his rule over much of India, proclaims his Buddhist faith on pillars and in rock inscriptions Go to Aśoka in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Buddhism reaches Sri Lanka as a result of the missionary efforts of the Indian ruler, Asoka Go to Aśoka in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Sri Lanka
c. 200 BCE	The earth drawings of the Nazca people, known now as the Nazca Lines, are some of the largest works of art ever created See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE 2nd century BCE Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Architecture American architecture Latin America Peru South America
168 BCE	Antiochus IV places a statue of Zeus above the altar of the Temple in Jerusalem, provoking violent reactions from the Jews Go to ANTIOCHUS IV EPIPHANES in The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
165 BCE	The Jewish leader Judas the Maccabee captures Jerusalem and cleanses the Temple Go to JUDAH THE MACCABEE in The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Protest and rebellion Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
141 BCE	Simon the Maccabee is appointed high priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, with the position declared hereditary in his family Go to Hasmoneans in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 140 BCE	The priestly Sadducees are confronted in the Sanhedrin by a new opposition party - the Pharisees Go to Pharisees in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 100 BCE	The Essenes, a Jewish sect, withdraw from secular life to form monastic communities in the desert Go to Essenes in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE 1st century BCE Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 50 BCE	A body preserved in the tannin of Lindow Moss, an English peat bog, is probably a sacrificial victim of the Druids Go to Lindow Man in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE British Isles Europe Britain The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the earliest surviving Buddhist stupa Go to Sanchi in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) A doctrinal split emerges within Jainism over whether a devotee must go naked (sky clad) or may be allowed a simple robe (white clad) Go to Jainism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
20 BCE	Herod the Great, king of Judaea, begins to build a spectacular new Temple for the Jews on the sacred mount in Jerusalem Go to Herod (c.73 bc–4 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Roman empire Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires
c. 6 BCE	According to the Gospel account, Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem two years before the death of Herod the Great - making the date 6 BC Go to Jesus Christ (1st century ad) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
4 BCE	Herod, according to the Gospel account, orders all newly born infants in Bethlehem to be killed Go to Herod (c.73 bc–4 bc) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 20	Saul of Tarsus, later known as St Paul, has a Greek-speaking Jewish father who is a Roman citizen Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Judaism Asia West Asia Turkey
c. 29	Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, gathering disciples, preaching and healing Go to Jesus Christ (1st century ad) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 31	Jesus rides into Jerusalem with a crowd of followers, then attacks the traders in the courtyard of the Temple Go to Money Changers in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Jesus, at the Last Supper, associates the bread and wine with his own body and blood, establishing the sacrament of the Eucharist Go to Last Supper in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate who reluctantly sentences him to death for blasphemy Go to Pilate, Pontius in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Jesus Christ is crucified, according to the accounts of his followers, outside the city wall of Jerusalem Go to crucifixion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Peter becomes the leader of the small community of Christians in Jerusalem Go to Peter, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 35	Stephen is stoned outside the city wall of Jerusalem - the first Christian martyr Go to Stephen in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel On the road to Damascus, where he intends to persecute the Christians, Saul sees a blinding light Go to Damascus, road to [Bible] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria
43	The Roman emperor Claudius reaches Colchester, where a temple is erected to him as a god Go to Claudius (ad 41–54) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Roman Britain Europe Empires Britain
c. 48	St Paul, taking ship to Cyprus, begins the first of his great missionary journeys Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Christianity Asia West Asia Europe Empires St Paul, on his travels within the Roman empire, begins converting non-Jews (or Gentiles) to the new Christian faith Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Christianity Judaism Asia West Asia Europe Empires
c. 50	The Thessalonians receive the first of Paul's epistles - the earliest text in the New Testament, written in Greek Go to Paul, St (c.65 ce) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Europe Greece A western adaptation of the Persian cult of Mithras, evolving probably in Anatolia, is spread through the empire by the Roman army Go to Mithras in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Europe Empires The leaders of the Christian church gather in Jerusalem to decide an urgent question - must Gentile converts undergo circumcision? Go to Apostolic Council in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 60	St Peter, believed to have come to Rome as leader of the Christian community, is subsequently considered the first pope Go to Peter, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Greece Italy St Paul arrives in Rome a prisoner, but then spends two years freely preaching Christianity Go to Paul, St (c.64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Christianity Rome Europe Greece Italy Empires
c. 64	Early Christian tradition states that both Peter and Paul meet death in Rome as martyrs, possibly as a result of the fire of AD 64 Go to Nero (54–68 ce) in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Rome Europe Greece Italy
c. 68	The Essenes hide their sacred scrolls in caves near the Dead Sea, to save them from the Romans Go to Dead Sea Scrolls in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires
70	The complete destruction of the Jewish Temple follows the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans Go to Jewish Revolt in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Conquest and colonization Persecution and repression Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires The first yeshiva, established by Johanan ben Zakkai at Yavne, begins a strong tradition of Jewish scholarship in the Diaspora Go to Johanan ben Zakkai in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 75	The Acts of the Apostles are written, probably by Luke – the evangelist and companion of Paul on his final journey to Rome Go to Acts of the Apostles in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Europe
c. 80	The earliest of the Christian gospels, that of St Mark, is written down - possibly in Asia Minor or Syria Go to Mark, Gospel of St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Christianity Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Turkey
c. 100	A cult develops in Rome of the Egyptian goddess Isis, credited with restoring to life her husband, Osiris, after he has been hacked to pieces Go to Isis in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Roman empire Rome Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Italy Empires Mecca develops into a place of pilgrimage, with a famous collection of idols in the Ka'ba Go to Kaaba in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Islam Asia West Asia Theravada Buddhism, strong in south India and Sri Lanka, travels with traders through southeast Asia Go to Theravada Buddhism in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Commerce and industry Asia East Asia South Asia Sri Lanka Southeast Asia Society Teotihuacan, the dominant city in the northern highlands of central America, introduces the god Quetzalcoatl Go to Quetzalcoatl in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Mesoamerican civilization Latin America Central America Mexico Buddhism, arriving with trade along the Silk Road from India, puts down firm roots in China Go to Buddhism in China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Commerce and industry Asia East Asia China Society
177	On the order of Marcus Aurelius, Christians in Lyons are tortured to death - an instance of persecution unusual at this time Go to Lyons, Martyrs of (d. 177) in The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (5 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France Empires
c. 200	Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi compiles the Mishnah, a six-part digest of the Oral Torah Go to Mishnah in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century 3rd century Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 232	A house in Doura-Europus is adapted for Christian worship - the earliest surviving example of its kind Go to Europus in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Christianity Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria
c. 245	Origen, living in Caesarea, compiles the Hexapla, displaying versions of the Old Testament in six columns for comparative study Go to Hexapla in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Christianity Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 250	The Persian prophet Mani establishes the dualistic Manichaean religion Go to Mani in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) The Christians of Rome use the catacombs as tomb chambers, and decorate the walls with murals on New Testament themes Go to catacombs in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Arts Painting Italian painting Christianity Italian art Rome Europe Greece Italy
258	Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, is one of many Christians martyred for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods Go to Cyprian (c.ad 200–58) in Who's Who in the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Roman empire Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Africa North Africa Empires
274	The emperor Aurelian, grateful for the apparent assistance of a Syrian sun god, establishes the cult of the Unconquered Sun - whose birthday is December 25 Go to Aurelian (c.215–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Roman empire Asia West Asia Europe Greece Italy Empires
c. 300	St Anthony, one of the early Christian hermits in the Egyptian desert, is tempted by terrifying hallucinations Go to Antony, St, of Egypt (251?–356) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Christianity Africa North Africa Egypt The Jews of the Diaspora have by now spread through much of the Roman empire, where they are treated with tolerance Go to Dispersion, Diaspora in The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Roman empire Judaism Migration Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Europe Society Empires
303	The emperor Diocletian initiates a sustained persecution of Christians in the Roman empire Go to Diocletian (284–305) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Europe Empires
312	Constantine, preparing for battle against a rival at the Milvian Bridge, orders his men to wear a Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, on their shields Go to Christogram in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Greece Italy Empires After winning the battle at Milvian Bridge, Constantine marches into Rome and is formally acknowledged by the Senate as Augustus of the west Go to Milvian Bridge in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Rome Europe Greece Italy Empires
313	Constantine meets his co-emperor Licinius in Milan, and persuades him to follow a policy of encouraging the Christians Go to Licinius in Who's Who in the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Italy Empires
314	Warming to his new Christian role, Constantine summons more than 300 bishops to Arles to discuss the controversial issue of Donatus Go to Donatism in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe France Empires
c. 315	Constantine founds several churches in Rome, among them the first St Peter's Go to St Peter's, Rome in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Architecture Italian architecture Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Greece Italy Empires
c. 320	Pachomius organizes in Egypt the first community of Christian monks, at Dandara on the Nile Go to Pachomius (d. 346) in The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (5 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Monasticism Africa North Africa Egypt
325	Constantine convenes a council of 200 bishops at Nicaea to discuss the beliefs of Arius, which are deemed to be heresy Go to Arius (c.ad 260–336) in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Asia West Asia Turkey Empires
c. 327	Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, discovers in Jerusalem the cross on which Christ died - or so it is later claimed Go to Helena (c. 255–c. 330ad) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
330	Constantine's new Christian city on the site of Byzantium is inaugurated, as Constantinople Go to Constantinople in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Catholic and orthodox Turkey Europe Empires
337	Constantine is at last baptized a Christian in Nicomedia, just a few days before his death Go to Constantine I (285–337) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Catholic and orthodox Asia West Asia Turkey Empires
c. 350	Frumentius, brought to Ethiopia as a slave, becomes the kingdom's first Christian bishop Go to Frumentius, St (c.300–c.380) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Africa East Africa Ethiopia Greece begins to find a new and influential role in a Christian context, through the Byzantine empire Go to Constantinople in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Byzantine empire Politics Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Greece Empires
360	St Martin founds the first monastery in western Europe, at Ligugé near Poitiers Go to Martin, St (d. 397) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Europe France
361	Julian, the new emperor in Constantinople, plans to reinstate the pagan cult of the ancient Roman empire Go to Julian the Apostate (332–63) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Turkey Europe Empires
363	An apocryphal story states that Julian the Apostate, dying at Tarsus, acknowledges the victory of the Galilean, Jesus Christ Go to Julian the Apostate (332–63) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Roman empire Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Asia West Asia Turkey Empires
367	A document is distributed by the bishop of Alexandria, formally establishing the contents of the New Testament Go to New Testament in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt
c. 380	The Codex Sinaiticus, the earliest surviving manuscript of the complete New Testament, is copied out - probably in Egypt Go to Codex Sinaiticus (‘א’) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Africa North Africa Egypt
386	St Jerome settles in Bethlehem, where his holy women organize a monastery for his residence and a nearby convent for themselves Go to Jerome, St (c.342–420) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
390	St Ambrose asserts the authority of the church, refusing communion to the emperor Theodosius in Milan until he does penance for a massacre Go to Ambrose, St (c.339–97) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Italy Empires
c. 400	The earlier of the two Talmuds, consisting of commentaries on the Mishnah, is collected by rabbis in Palestine Go to Talmud in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The Yamato clan adapt Shinto to their own purposes, and claim imperial descent from the sun Go to Yamato in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia Japan St Augustine reveals that as a young man, studying and teaching in Carthage, he often prayed for 'chastity and continence, but not yet' Go to Augustine of Hippo, St (354–430) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Christianity Africa North Africa
c. 405	St Jerome, in Bethlehem, completes the Latin translation of the Bible which later becomes known as the Vulgate Go to Vulgate in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 413	Prompted by the fall of Rome to the Visigoths, St Augustine undertakes a great work of Christian philosophy, the City of God Go to City of God in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Roman empire Literature Philosophy Christianity Rome Africa North Africa Empires
431	A council is convened at Ephesus to consider the theology of Nestorius, which is judged to be heretical Go to Nestorius (b. after 351) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Christianity Asia West Asia Turkey
c. 450	St Patrick creates a strong tradition of Celtic Christianity in Ireland, from his base in Armagh Go to Patrick, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Celts Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain
c. 475	The Syrian desert is full of hermits living on pillars, following the example of St Simeon Stylites Go to Simeon Stylites, St (West Asia) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century Christianity Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria
c. 500	Monks in Ireland live in stone beehive cells on rocky islands, to achieve maximum discomfort Go to Beehive huts in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Christianity Monasticism British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Small ivory panels, with Gospel scenes carved in relief, provide a delicate beginning to the story of Christian sculpture Go to iconography, Christian in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Arts Sculpture Christianity Asia West Asia Europe A phallic figure, the Cerne Giant, is cut on a Dorset hillside at Cerne Abbas Go to hill figures in A Dictionary of English Folklore (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Sculpture British Isles Europe Britain The scribes known as Masoretes safeguard the ancient Hebrew of the Torah by their careful copying of the text Go to Masoretic text in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Clovis and some 3000 of his soldiers are baptized in a massive ceremony at Reims Go to Clovis (c. 466–511) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century 6th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe France
525	Dionysius Exiguus, commissioned by the pope to improve chronology, makes an error of at least four years in his selected event for AD 1 Go to Dionysius Exiguus (500) in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Literature Christianity Papacy Europe Italy St Benedict gathers fellow hermits at Subiaco into a series of small monasteries Go to Benedict, St (c.480–c.550) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
527	The monastery of St Catherine's in Sinai is founded by Justinian, and will accumulate one of the world's greatest collections of icons Go to Catherine, Monastery of Saint in The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Byzantine empire Christianity Asia West Asia Empires
c. 530	St Finnian founds the first of Ireland's great Celtic monasteries, at Clonard Go to Clonard in A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Celts Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain St Benedict founds a monastery at Monte Cassino and writes a Rule for the monks which becomes the basis of the Benedictine order Go to Benedict, Rule of St in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
538	A Buddhist image, sent as a gift from Korea, introduces the religion to Japan Go to Buddhism in A Dictionary of Sociology (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Asia East Asia Japan
c. 543	Christianity reaches the kingdom of Dongola, in present-day Sudan Go to Nubia, Christianity in in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Africa East Africa
563	St Columba establishes a monastery on the island of Iona, from which Celtic Christianity is carried to Scotland and northern England Go to Columba, St (d. 597) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Celts Christianity Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 580	St David founds monasteries in Wales and makes his base at Mynyw, a place now known after him as St David's Go to David, St (d. c.601) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Wales British Isles Europe Britain
589	The word filioque ('and from the Son') becomes a major bone of contention between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches Go to Filioque in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Asia West Asia Europe
597	Augustine, arriving with a party of monks from Rome, reaches Canterbury and is well received by the pagan king of Kent Go to Augustine, St (d. c.604) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Christianity Monasticism British Isles Europe Britain
c. 600	Ritual intoning of the psalms, derived from Jewish synagogues, is formalized in Christian worship as Gregorian chant Go to plainsong in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century 7th century Performing arts Music Christianity Judaism Asia West Asia Europe The walls of caves at Ajanta are profusely decorated with Buddhist murals Go to Ajanta, India in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century 7th century Arts Painting Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
607	Prince Shotoku Taishi, an enthusiastic patron of Buddhism, builds the Horyuji temple and pagoda at Nara Go to Nara in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Architecture Asia East Asia Japan
c. 610	St Columban founds a monastery at Bobbio, the furthest outpost of Celtic Christianity Go to Bobbio in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Celts Christianity Europe Italy Society
c. 613	Muhammad begins preaching in Mecca the message of Allah, dictated to him by the archangel Gabriel Go to Gabriel in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Asia West Asia
615	When the Persians sack Jerusalem, they carry off to Ctesiphon Christianity's most sacred relic - the True Cross Go to Cross in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Byzantine empire Christianity War Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires
c. 620	The Irish monk St Aidan moves from Iona to establish a monastery on Lindisfarne Go to Lindisfarne in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Christianity Monasticism Scotland British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
622	Muhammad departs from Mecca and settles in Medina, in the event known as the Hegira Go to hegira in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Asia West Asia The year of the Hegira (Muhammad's move from Mecca to Medina) becomes Anno Hegirae or AH1, the first year in Muslim chronology Go to AH in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Asia West Asia
627	The Byzantine emperor Heraclius recovers the True Cross from Ctesiphon Go to Heraclius I (575–642) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Empires
630	Mecca becomes the holy city of Islam and soon all Arabia accepts the new religion Go to Mecca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Asia West Asia
632	The death of Muhammad at Medina is followed by the election of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, a father-in-law of the prophet Go to Abu Bakr (c. 573–634) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Asia West Asia
634	Omar, another father-in-law of Muhammad, is elected as the second Muslim caliph (the word means 'successor to the Messenger of God') Go to Omar (c.581–644) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Asia West Asia Within two years of the death of Muhammad, the Arabs surge north into the Syrian desert Go to Arabs in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Migration Muslim empires Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society Empires
638	The Arab capture of Jerusalem brings Palestine and Syria under Muslim control Go to Jerusalem in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Jerusalem Muslim empires Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires
642	The unopposed capture of Alexandria by the Arabs completes the Muslim conquest of Egypt Go to Alexandria in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Alexandria Muslim empires Africa North Africa Egypt Empires
643	The Coptic Christians of Egypt become isolated after the Muslim conquest Go to Copt in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Africa North Africa Egypt
644	After the assassination of Omar, Othman is elected as the third Muslim caliph Go to Othman (574–656) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination Islam Muslim empires Asia West Asia Empires
c. 650	At Dunhuang, an oasis on the Silk Road, as many as 500 caves are decorated with Buddhist murals Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Arts Painting Asia East Asia China The Book of Durrow, one of the earliest of the great Celtic manuscripts, is written and illuminated in Ireland Go to Durrow, Book of in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Celts Arts Painting British painting Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain Under the caliph Othman, the revelations made to Muhammad are collected in their definitive form as the Qur'an Go to Qur'an in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Islam Asia West Asia Jews and Christians, sharing with Muslims the status of 'people of the book', are promised religious tolerance in the Qur'an Go to Ahl al-Kitāb in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Christianity Islam Judaism Asia West Asia Songtsen Gampo builds temples in Lhasa for his two Buddhist wives, thus introducing the religion to Tibet Go to Songtsen Gampo (c.609–50) in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Asia East Asia
656	Othman is assassinated, and Ali wins power as the fourth Muslim caliph - defeating Muhammad's widow Aisha at the 'battle of the camel' near Basra Go to Camel, Battle of the in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Battles Muslim empires Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Empires
661	Ali is assassinated and Mu'awiya becomes the fifth Muslim caliph, establishing the Umayyad dynasty Go to Umayyad Caliphate in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination Islam Muslim empires Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Empires The emergence of the Shi'a party creates a major schism within Islam Go to Shia noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Politics Islam Asia West Asia
664	The king of Northumbria summons a synod at Whitby to hear the arguments of Roman and Celtic Christians, then opts for Rome Go to synod in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Celts Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles Europe Society Britain
670	The Arabs establish a garrison town at Kairouan, as a base for the conquest of northwest Africa Go to Corvey in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Muslim empires Africa North Africa Empires With the entire middle east under their control, the Arabs make Damascus the capital of the Umayyad caliphate Go to Damascus in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Muslim empires Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Empires
680	Husayn, the son of Ali, dies at Karbala in a battle against rival Muslims and becomes the most holy of Shi'ite martyrs Go to Husayn ibn Ali (680) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Islam Battles Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq
691	The Dome of the Rock is completed as a Muslim shrine on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Go to Qubbat al-Sakhra in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Architecture Islam Jerusalem Muslim empires Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires
695	Willibrord, recently arrived from England to convert the Frisians, is consecrated archbishop of a new see in Utrecht Go to Willibrord, St (658–739) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Christianity Europe Netherlands
c. 698	The Lindisfarne Gospels are written and illuminated by Celtic monks on the Scottish island of Lindisfarne Go to Lindisfarne Gospels in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Celts Arts Painting British painting Christianity Monasticism Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 700	Shortage of manpower in the Muslim armies causes a change of policy, with non-Arabs now allowed to convert to Islam Go to armies, Islamic in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Muslim empires Asia West Asia Empires Turkish tribes, northern neighbours of the Muslims in central Asia, begin to adopt Islam as their religion Go to Central Asia, Islam in in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Turks Turkey
711	Muslim Arabs cross from north Africa into Spain and drive the Visigoths from Toledo Go to Toledo in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Muslim empires Africa North Africa Europe Spain Empires
712	Muslims, arriving from Persia through Baluchistan, occupy the region of Sind in western India Go to Sind in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan
726	The emperor Leo III launches the iconoclastic controversy, sending soldiers to smash the great image of Christ over the gateway to his palace Go to Iconoclastic controversy in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Byzantine empire Christianity Turkey Europe Empires
732	The Muslim advance into France is halted when Charles Martel defeats the Arabs between Poitiers and Tours Go to Poitiers in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Battles Muslim empires Europe France Empires
743	Boniface, working as a missionary among pagan Germans, makes his headquarters at Mainz Go to Boniface in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Christianity Germany
c. 750	Karaism, relying on scripture rather than rabbinical commentary, develops among the Jewish community in Babylon Go to Karaism in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Assyria and Babylon Judaism Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq T'ang potters make vigorous and brightly coloured figures, of horses, camels or human attendants, to accompany the dead in the grave Go to Tang in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia China Sufism develops as a mystical strain within Islam Go to Sufism in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Islam Asia West Asia The Abbasids massacre the Umayyads in Damascus and establish a new caliphate Go to Abbasids in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Muslim empires Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Empires
751	Muscat and Oman establish a tradition of spiritual rule by elected imams Go to Imam in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Islam Asia West Asia
753	Pope Stephen II anoints Pepin III and his two sons (one of them Charlemagne) in the abbey church of St Denis Go to St-Denis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Holy Roman empire Politics Christianity Papacy Europe France Empires
756	Abd-ar-Rahman, escaping from the massacre of his family in Syria, establishes a new Umayyad dynasty at Cordoba Go to Cordoba in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Muslim empires Europe Spain Empires
768	The empress of Japan, in a remarkable start to the story of printing, commissions a million copies of a Buddhist charm Go to printing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Printing Prints Technology Communication Asia East Asia Japan
c. 780	Islam reaches Shanga, off the east coast of Africa, with the building of a tiny wooden mosque Go to Kenya in The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Islam Africa East Africa
796	Alcuin leaves the palace school at Aachen to become abbot of the monastery of Tours Go to Saint-Martin at Tours in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Christianity Europe France Germany
c. 800	The Ismailis become a separate Shi'a sect when they dispute the succession after the death of the sixth imam Go to Ismailis in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Politics Islam Asia West Asia Batán Grande, in northern Peru, becomes a great pilgrimage centre in the Sican culture Go to Peru in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Latin America Peru South America Nestorian beliefs become the orthodoxy of the Christian community in Persia, spreading from there to India and China Go to Nestorian in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) The Jews prosper in the Muslim and Carolingian empires, forming strong communities in Spain and in Germany Go to Jews in The Oxford Companion to Chaucer (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Judaism Social and domestic Europe Germany Spain Society In St Peter's in Rome, on Christmas Day, pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne emperor - supposedly to Charlemagne's surprise Go to Leo III, St (d. 816) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Holy Roman empire Politics Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Europe Italy Empires
805	Pope Leo III consecrates Charlemagne's new palace chapel in Aachen, modelled on San Vitale in Ravenna Go to Aachen in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Holy Roman empire Architecture Christianity Papacy Germany Empires
c. 825	The discovery of the supposed remains of the apostle St James makes Santiago de Compostela a new centre of European pilgrimage Go to Santiago de Compostela in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Christianity Europe Spain
827	The Arabs get a foothold in Sicily and begin a slow process, not complete till AD 965, of squeezing the Byzantines out of the island Go to Sicily in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Byzantine empire Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Sicily Europe Italy Empires
828	The Venetians, acquiring from Alexandria some bones believed to be those of St Mark, build St Mark's to house the valuable relic Go to Mark, St in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Christianity Alexandria Venice Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Italy
843	The iconoclastic controversy ends when Theodora, widow of the emperor Theophilus, officially sanctions the veneration of icons Go to icon in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Byzantine empire Christianity Asia West Asia Europe Empires
845	On the orders of the T'ang emperor, 4000 monasteries are destroyed in China and 250,000 monks and nuns forced into secular life Go to T'ang dynasty in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Persecution and repression Monasticism Asia East Asia China
863	The missionary brothers Cyril and Methodius arrive in Moravia, where they introduce the Greek Orthodox faith in a special Slavonic liturgy Go to liturgy in A Dictionary of the Bible (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Bohemia Czech Republic
865	The Bulgarian king Boris I is baptized in the Greek Orthodox faith, bringing his people within the Byzantine fold Go to Orthodox Church in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Empires
c. 870	Cyril and Methodius translate the Gospels and parts of the Old Testament into Slavonic for the Moravians. Go to Moravians in The Oxford Dictionary of Local and Family History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Christianity
c. 900	Zoroastrians migrate from Muslim Persia to India, where they become known as Parsees Go to Parsis in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century 10th century Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) South Asia India (the subcontinent)
909	Monastic reform, begun at Cluny, is so successful that more than 1000 Benedictine houses eventually follow the Cluniac example Go to Cluny, Cluniacs in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Christianity Monasticism Europe France
929	Wenceslas, a prince of the Premsylid family, is murdered on his way into church - and becomes Bohemia's patron saint Go to Wenceslas, St (c.907–29) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Bohemia Czech Republic
c. 930	Saadiah Gaon writes a seminal work of Jewish philosophy in his Book of Beliefs and Opinions Go to Saadiah Gaon in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Literature Philosophy Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
c. 950	The Byzantine empire enjoys a revival, bringing the Slavs within the Greek Orthodox fold and winning victories against the Muslims Go to Slavs in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Byzantine empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Empires
c. 960	Harald Bluetooth is baptized a Christian and unites the whole of Denmark as a single kingdom. Go to Gwynedd in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Denmark
962	The imperial coronation of Otto I by Pope John XII in St Peter's puts in place the formal role of a Holy Roman emperor Go to Otto I (912–73) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Politics Christianity Catholic and orthodox Papacy Europe Italy Empires
965	Mieszko, pagan chieftain of the Poles, marries a Christian Czech princess and brings all his people into the Roman Catholic fold Go to Mieszko I (c.935–992) in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Poland
975	The Hungarian king Gezá and his family are baptized as Roman Catholics, beginning a long link between Hungary and Rome Go to Árpád dynasty in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Hungary
c. 987	Vladimir, the prince of Kiev, decides that Greek Orthodoxy is the most suitable religion for the Russian people Go to Orthodox Church in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Russia
c. 1000	Iceland's parliament, the althing, passes a resolution that everyone on the island is to be baptized Go to resolution in A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Politics Democracy and dissent Christianity Europe A Muslim dynasty is established at Gao, on the Niger Go to Gao (Mali) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Africa West Africa Germany Buddhist, Hindu and Jain shrines are carved from the rock in the cave temples of Ellora, in India Go to Ellorā in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Arts Sculpture Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) The Jews, barred from any work which Christians want to do, find profitable employment as money-lenders Go to money-lender in The Handbook of International Financial Terms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Judaism Commerce and industry Society
c. 1000?	The huge stone heads standing on Easter Island are carved and erected at some time between the sixth and seventeenth century AD Go to Easter Island in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Arts Sculpture Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands
1025	Mahmud of Ghazni marches an army across an Indian desert to destroy a great temple at Somnath, killing - it is said - some 50,000 Hindus Go to Somnāth in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Islam Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
c. 1050	Islam reaches Kanem-Bornu, a joint kingdom encompassing the eastern and western shores of Lake Chad Go to Kanem-Bornu in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Africa Central Africa East Africa A Muslim dynasty is established at Kilwa, on the east African coast Go to Kilwa in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Africa East Africa
1075	Pope Gregory VII decrees that only the church may make ecclesiastical appointments, thus initiating the investiture controversy between pope and emperor Go to Investiture Controversy in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Holy Roman empire Politics Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Empires
1078	Anselm includes in his Proslogion his famous 'ontological proof' of the existence of God Go to ontological argument in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Literature Literature in English Philosophy Christianity Europe France
1084	St Bruno and six companions retire to Chartreuse, in the French Alps, and establish the Carthusian order Go to Carthusian Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Christianity Monasticism Europe France
1085	Toledo is captured from the Muslims by Alfonso VI of Castile, who continues the city's traditions of religious tolerance Go to Alfonso VI of Castile (1065–1109) in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Islam Europe Spain
1095	Pope Urban II preaches the first crusade, urging the Christians of Europe to march east to recover Jerusalem from the Muslims Go to Urban II, Bl (c.1035–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Papacy Jerusalem Empires Wars and Revolutions
1096	Peter the Hermit, an old monk on a donkey, leads the largest of the popular groups from Germany on the first crusade Go to Peter the Hermit (d. 1115) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Monasticism Germany Wars and Revolutions The German crusade begins with a massacre of Jews in many of the region's cities Go to Jews, Christian attitudes to in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 11th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism Germany Wars and Revolutions
c. 1098	Benedictine monks, wishing to return to the early ideals of the order, form a community at Cîteaux which becomes the Cistercian order Go to Cistercian Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Christianity Monasticism Europe France After a siege of seven months, the city of Antioch falls to the knights of the first crusade Go to Antioch in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 11th century Christianity War Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars and Revolutions
1099	Crusaders capture the holy city of Jerusalem and massacre the Muslim and Jewish inhabitants Go to Crusades in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Judaism Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Empires Wars and Revolutions
1113	The Knights of St John of Jerusalem become an established order under papal protection Go to Hospitallers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Christianity Papacy Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
1115	St Bernard establishes a new monastery at Clairvaux, from which he presides over the rapid expansion of the Cistercian order Go to Bernard, St (1090–1153) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Christianity Monasticism Europe France
1120	The Knights Templar are founded, to protect pilgrims from the Muslims on the journey to Jerusalem Go to Knight Templar in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
1144	The fall of Edessa prompts the pope, Eugenius III, to call for a second crusade to defend the Latin kingdom Go to Eugenius III (d. 1153) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Christianity Papacy War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
c. 1145	A new form of pious devotion is seen in Chartres, with people painfully dragging wagons of stone to enlarge the cathedral Go to Chartres in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Christianity Europe France A bishop in the crusader territories of the Middle East has news of a fabulously wealthy Christian king, Prester John Go to Prester John in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
1147	Gilbert of Hastings, an English priest, becomes bishop of the recovered see of Lisbon - the first of many such links between England and Portugal Go to Lisbon in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Christianity Europe Portugal The second crusade is led east by two kings, Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany Go to Louis VII (c.1120–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Europe France Germany Wars and Revolutions
1148	By the time Louis VII and Conrad III reach the Holy Land they have lost more than half their joint armies to Muslim attacks Go to Louis VII (c.1120–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions Louis VII and Conrad III do grave harm to the Latin Kingdom by a feeble attack that merely alienates the previously friendly city of Damascus Go to Latin kingdom of Jerusalem in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
c. 1150	In feudal France and Germany Charlemagne is by now venerated as a saint Go to Charlemagne in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Christianity Europe France Germany Empires After centuries of raiding the northern part of Sri Lanka, the Tamils establish a settled Hindu presence in the island Go to Tamils in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Sri Lanka Zen Buddhism reaches Japan from China and appeals greatly to the new samurai class Go to Zen Buddhism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Asia East Asia Japan
1171	Saladin deposes the Fatimid caliph and brings Egypt back to orthodoxy, acknowledging the rule of the Sunni caliph in Baghdad Go to Saladin (1138–93) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Caliphs Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Africa North Africa Egypt
1182	Resentment of western merchants results in a massacre of Roman Catholics by fellow Christians in Constantinople Go to Istanbul in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 12th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Catholic and orthodox Turkey Europe Empires
1190	A year after succeeding to the throne of England, Richard I sets off east as one of the leaders of the third crusade Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain The third crusade suffers an early disaster when its first leader, the emperor Frederick Barbarossa, is drowned crossing the Calycadnus river Go to Frederick I (c.1122–90) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty Christianity Asia West Asia Turkey Wars and Revolutions
1191	The Muslim garrison of Acre surrenders to Richard I, who orders the massacre of 2700 of its members Go to Acre in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions The Teutonic Knights are founded to run a hospital in Acre, in the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem Go to Teutonic Knight in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Christianity Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
c. 1200	The new Christian doctrine of Transubstantiation prompts rumours that the Jews desecrate the consecrated Host Go to transubstantiation in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Christianity Judaism Terracotta heads and figures are buried in graves in the region of Djenné in modern Mali Go to terracotta in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Arts Decorative arts Africa West Africa The heresy of the Cathars (meaning 'pure' ones) is now so well established in southern France that they have bishops of their own Go to heresy in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Christianity Europe France
1202	The fleet of the fourth crusade departs from Venice - only to be diverted from its purposes by Venetian guile Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Venice Europe Italy Empires Wars and Revolutions A German order, the Knights of the Sword, begins the forcible conversion of Latvia and Estonia to Christianity Go to Knights of the Sword in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Europe
1204	The crusaders of the fourth crusade besiege, take and destroy the Christian city of Constantinople Go to Istanbul in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Catholic and orthodox Turkey Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
c. 1205	Many of the treasures adorning the church of San Marco in Venice are loot taken from Constantinople during the fourth crusade Go to Venice in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Catholic and orthodox Venice Turkey Europe Italy Empires Wars and Revolutions
1208	The murder of the pope's legate to Toulouse provokes the Albigensian crusade, which aims to wipe out the Catharist heresy Go to Albigensians in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Papacy Europe France
1210	St Francis and eleven companions tell Innocent III of their wish for a life of holy poverty in the bustle of the towns Go to Francis Of Assisi, St (1181/2–1226) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1212	Participants in the Children's Crusade suffer disaster after the waters of the Mediterranean fail to part for them Go to Children's Crusade (1212) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Christianity Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
1215	St Dominic and his companions tell Innocent III of their wish to teach and preach in the bustle of the towns Go to Dominic, St (c.1174–1221) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1216	The Dominicans are formally established by Pope Honorius III as Ordo Fratrum Praedicatorum, the Order of the Friars Preachers Go to Dominican Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe Italy
1219	St Francis of Assisi joins a crusading army in Egypt and attempts to convert the sultan Melek-el-Kamel and his followers to Christianity Go to Francis Of Assisi, St (1181/2–1226) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Christianity Monasticism Africa North Africa Egypt Wars and Revolutions
1223	The Franciscans are formally established by Honorius III as Ordo Fratrum Minorum, the Order of the Friars Minor Go to Franciscan Order in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1228	Frederick II, leader of the sixth crusade, briefly recovers Jerusalem for the Christians by negotiating with the Muslims Go to Frederick II (1712–86) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions
1233	Gregory IX sends Dominican friars to root out the remains of the Catharist heresy in France, thus launching the Inquisition Go to Gregory IX (c.1148–1241) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Monasticism Europe France Italy
1244	The siege of the Catharist stronghold of Montségur ends when 200 heretics are herded into a wooden stockade and are burnt Go to Montségur, Siege of in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France
1252	A huge bronze sculpture, known as Daibutsu and cast in Kamakura, depicts Amida, the Amitabha Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism Go to Pure Land in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Arts Sculpture Asia East Asia Japan
1253	Construction begins of two basilicas, one above the other on a hillside in Assisi, in memory of St Francis Go to basilica in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Europe Italy
1256	Pope Alexander IV establishes a third order of preaching friars, the Augustinians Go to Augustinians in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe Italy
c. 1290	The classical work of the Kabbalah, the Zohar, is almost certainly the work of the Spanish Kabbalist Moses de Leon Go to Moses de Leon in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Judaism Europe Spain The Jews in England are driven out of the country, soon to be followed by those in France Go to Jews in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Judaism British Isles Europe Britain
1291	In the space of a few months the Muslims take the last four crusader castles, Tyre, Sidon, Acre and finally Beirut Go to Acre in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Empires Wars and Revolutions
1295	The new Mameluke dynasty in Egypt begins a systematic campaign to drive the Crusaders out of the Middle East Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire Crusades 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Empires Wars and Revolutions
1300	Boniface VIII declares a Jubilee or Holy Year, with plenary indulgences for pilgrims who make their way to Rome Go to Boniface VIII (c.1234–1303) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century 14th century Christianity Europe Italy
1309	Clement V moves the papacy to Avignon, in a move which is expected to be temporary but which lasts for nearly seventy years Go to Clement V (1264–1314) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Europe France Italy
1310	Fifty-four Knights Templars are burned at the stake, during the campaign of the French king to destroy the order Go to Knight Templar in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France
1315	Islam replaces Christianity as the religion of the kings of Dongola, in present-day Sudan Go to Nubia, Christianity in in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Christianity Islam Africa East Africa
1326	Moscow acquires new prestige when the metropolitan (or patriarch) of the Russian Orthodox church moves his residence from Vladimir Go to Orthodox Church in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe Russia
1329	A friar, who has failed to find Prester John in the east, publishes a book proving that the fabulous king lives in Ethiopia Go to Prester John in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Africa East Africa Ethiopia
1338	The first Dalai Lama dies in 1338 and is discovered to have been reincarnated in a boy born in 1340 Go to Dalai Lama in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Asia East Asia
1348	Massacres of Jews, rumoured to have caused the Black Death by poisoning wells, begin in southern France and spread through much of Europe Go to Black Death: The Great Killers in The Oxford Companion to Medicine (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism
c. 1376	John Wycliffe, writing mainly in Oxford, is critical of the contemporary church and can find no basis for the pope's authority Go to Wycliffe, John (c.1330–84) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Reformation Christianity Papacy British Isles Europe Britain
1377	The papal curia returns to Rome in what would seem a conclusive move if there were not, two years later, two popes - one of them elected back in Avignon Go to Curia in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Rome Europe France Italy
1379	The French cardinals, objecting to the new Italian pope, elect their own man as Clement VII - and thus inaugurate the Great Schism of the papacy Go to Great Schism (1378–1417) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Europe France Italy
1386	Jogaila, baptized a Roman Catholic before marrying Jadwiga, brings Lithuania into the Christian fold - the last part of Europe to be converted Go to Roman Catholic Church in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Christianity Catholic and orthodox Europe
c. 1400	The followers of Wycliffe, after his death, become known as Lollards or 'mutterers' Go to Lollards in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century 15th century Reformation Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1402	John Huss, known for his radical approach to Christianity, is put in charge of the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague Go to Huss, John (c.1372–1415) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Christianity Bohemia Czech Republic
1409	The Council at Pisa elects a new pope, Alexander V, without persuading the other two to resign - bringing the total to an unprecedented three Go to Pisa, Council of in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1414	A council is called at Constance, to consider the radical views of John Huss and to deal with the present excess of popes Go to Huss, John (c.1372–1415) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Bohemia Czech Republic Germany
1415	John Huss, invited to Constance under a promise of safe conduct, is arrested, tried and burnt at the stake as a heretic Go to Huss, John (c.1372–1415) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Bohemia Czech Republic Germany
1417	The Council of Constance, having done its best to dispose of the three existing popes, elects a new one - Martin V Go to Constance, Council of (1414–18) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Christianity Papacy Germany
1428	A peasant girl, Joan of Arc, hears the voices of saints urging her to relieve the siege of Orléans Go to Joan of Arc, St (1412–31) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1429	Joan of Arc wins her way into the presence of Charles VII at Chinon and persuades him, eventually, to trust her Go to Charles VII (1403–61) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions Joan of Arc leads French forces in the successful relief of Orléans Go to Joan of Arc, St (1412–31) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions Joan of Arc stands nearby while Charles VII is anointed at Reims, then kneels before him and for the first time calls him her king Go to Charles VII (1403–61) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1430	Joan of Arc is captured in a skirmish with the Burgundians, who subsequently hand her over to the English Go to Joan of Arc, St (1412–31) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1431	Joan of Arc, tried by the Inquisition on behalf of the English in Rouen, is burned at the stake as a relapsed heretic Go to Inquisition in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity War Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1433	The Compacts of Prague, agreed with the papacy in 1433, allow the Hussite laity to receive the sacrament in both kinds Go to Hussites in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Christianity Papacy Bohemia Czech Republic
1438	The French clergy pass a resolution at Bourges, limiting the power of the papacy within France, which is adopted by the king as a 'pragmatic sanction' Go to pragmatic sanction in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Politics Christianity Papacy Europe France
1439	Florence acquires first-hand experience of Greek culture when Greek Orthodox priests join in a debate on theology, in particular the question of Filioque Go to Filioque in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Catholic and orthodox Florence Europe Italy
1445	A Muslim ruler is established in Malacca, forming the first of many Muslim dynasties in the Malay archipelago Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Islam Asia East Asia Southeast Asia
c. 1450	The most sacred of the Inca divinities, Punchao, is symbolized by a great golden disc representing the sun Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Latin America Peru South America
c. 1475	With Constantinople in Turkish hands, Moscow begins to see itself as the centre of Orthodox Christianity - or the third Rome Go to Moscow in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Christianity Catholic and orthodox Turks Europe Russia
1480	Tomas de Torquemada, from a family of converted Jews, is appointed Spain's first Grand Inquisitor Go to Torquemada, Tomás de (1420–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Christianity Judaism Europe Spain
1487	When the enlarged pyramid at Tenochtitlan is dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec sacrifice of human victims lasts for four days Go to Huitzilopochtli (America) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Mesoamerican civilization Latin America Central America Mexico
1491	Savonarola, the new prior of San Marco, is a stern critic of both the pope in Rome and the Medici in Florence Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Papacy Florence Rome Europe Italy
1492	Torquemada persuades Ferdinand and Isabella to expel from Spain all Jews (about 160,000) who will not convert to Christianity Go to Torquemada, Tomás de (1420–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Judaism Europe Spain Bayazid II, the Turkish sultan, makes a special point of welcoming in Istanbul the Jews expelled from Spain Go to Istanbul (Turkey) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Judaism Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Empires Rodrigo Borgia, elected pope as Alexander VI, already has four illegitimate children and possibly sires three more while pope Go to Alexander VI (1431–1503) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1497	Savonarola, in the carnival before Lent, urges the people of Florence to throw playing cards and lewd images on a great bonfire of vanities Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Social and domestic Florence Europe Italy Society
1498	The Florentine mob, weary of puritanism, attacks the convent of San Marco and drags Savonarola away to be hanged and burnt Go to Savonarola, Girolamo (1452–98) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Social and domestic Florence Europe Italy Society
c. 1500	Nanak, the first of the Sikh gurus, takes to the road as a wandering teacher Go to Nanak (1469–1539) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) In Cuzco's great temple, the sacrifices are usually of llamas, occasionally of humans Go to Inca in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Latin America Peru South America
1516	The original ghetto is established as a district to which the Jews of Venice are confined Go to Ghetto in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Politics Persecution and repression Judaism Venice Europe Italy Erasmus publishes an influential edition of the New Testament in its original Greek Go to Erasmus (d. c.300) in The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (5 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Europe Belgium Netherlands
1517	The local sale of indulgences by Johann Tetzel outrages a friar teaching in Wittenberg, Martin Luther Go to Tetzel, Johann (c.1464–1519) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Monasticism Germany Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany
1518	Philipp Melanchthon joins the Wittenberg university to teach Greek and inspires Luther to translate the New Testament Go to Melanchthon, Philipp (1497–1560) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Germany
c. 1520	Europe's new printing presses make possible the first pamphlet war, spreading instant arguments for and against the Reformation Go to Reformation in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Printing Christianity Technology Luther's writings are burnt in Rome by order of the pope Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Germany Italy
1521	Pope Leo X excommunicates Martin Luther after he has refused to recant Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Christianity Papacy Europe Germany Italy Luther travels to the German city of Worms to present his case to an imperial diet Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany Luther bears witness to a Protestant conscience, stating at Worms: 'Here I stand, I can not do otherwise.' Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany Ignatius of Loyola, recovering from a wound received as a soldier at Pamplona, is inspired by reading the lives of the saints Go to Loyola, Ignatius, St (1491–1556) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Spain
1522	Outlawed by the Edict of Worms, Luther lives secretly in the Wartburg as Junker Georg Go to Beveridge, William Henry, Baron (1879–1963) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Germany Huldreich Zwingli eats sausage in Lent in Zurich, launching the Swiss Reformation Go to Zwingli, Ulrich (1484–1531) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Switzerland
1523	Hans Sachs, popular poet and master singer, describes Luther as the Wittenberg nightingale Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Germany
1524	William Tyndale studies in the university at Wittenberg and plans to translate the Bible into English Go to Tyndale, William (c.1494–1536) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English German literature Christianity British Isles Europe Germany Britain
1525	Luther, a former friar, marries Catherine von Bora, a former nun who has just emerged from her convent Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Monasticism Social and domestic Germany Society Conrad Grebel baptises an adult, causing outrage in Protestant Zurich Go to Grebel, Conrad (c.1498–1526) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Switzerland Thomas Müntzer leads the rebels in the Peasant War, to the profound displeasure of Luther Go to Peasants' War (1524–26) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity War Germany Muslims throughout Spain are ordered to convert to Christianity or to leave the kingdom Go to Islam in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Islam Europe Spain
1527	Gustavus I of Sweden fills his coffers by appropriating the property of Catholic churches and monasteries Go to Gustavus I (1496–1560) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe
1528	Discussion of Henry VIII's proposed divorce hinges on rival verses from the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy and Leviticus Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Judaism British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1529	The 'Protestation' of various princes and imperial cities at Speyer identifies them as Protestants Go to Protestant in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany Protestant reformers Luther and Zwingli disagree at Marburg on the nature of the Eucharist Go to Eucharist in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Germany
1530	Ahmad ibn Ibrahim leads Muslim Somalis in a holy war against Christian Ethiopia, destroying churches and shrines Go to Ethiopia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Islam Africa East Africa Ethiopia The Augsburg Confession, presented by Melanchthon to the imperial diet, defines the Lutheran faith Go to Augsburg, Confession of (1530) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany
1531	The Aztec Virgin of Guadalupe appears to an Indian near Mexico City and tells him she is 'one of his kind' Go to Virgin of Guadalupe in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Latin America Central America Mexico The Protestant princes of Germany form the defensive League of Schmalkalden Go to Schmalkaldic League in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Germany Zwingli is killed at Kappel in a battle between Protestant and Catholic cantons Go to Zwingli, Ulrich (1484–1531) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Battles Switzerland
1534	Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy forces prominent figures in English public life to accept him on oath as head of the Church of England Go to Church of England in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Paris wakes up to find Protestant placards all over the place, mocking the sacrament of the mass Go to Protestantism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Europe France
1536	Henry VIII begins the process of gathering in the wealth of England's monasteries Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Christian III seizes the wealth of Danish churches and monasteries, before turning his attention to those of Norway Go to Christian III (1503–59) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe Denmark Norway
1540	Pope Paul III establishes Ignatius Loyola and his followers as the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits Go to Loyola, Ignatius, St (1491–1556) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Christianity Monasticism Papacy Europe Italy
1541	Protestant reformer John Calvin settles in Geneva and submits the city to a strict Christian rule Go to Calvin, John (1509–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Switzerland Francis Xavier, companion of Ignatius Loyola and the first missionary of the Counter-Reformation, sets sail from Lisbon Go to Francis Xavier, St (1506–52) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Portugal
1542	Francis Xavier reaches Goa, at the start of the great mission to the east that will last the nine years until his death Go to Francis Xavier, St (1506–52) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Christianity Monasticism Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pope Paul III establishes the Roman Inquisition, with the specific task of fighting against the Protestant heresy Go to Inquisition, Roman in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1545	3000 Waldenses are massacred as heretics in the villages of Provence Go to Waldenses noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France A council of the Roman Catholic church is convened in Trent, to establish the tenets of the Counter-Reformation See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Christianity Europe Italy
1546	David Beaton, the archbishop of St Andrews, burns a leading Protestant, George Wishart, as a heretic and is murdered in retaliation Go to Beaton, David (c.1494–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1547	John Knox is captured in St Andrews and is sent to serve in the French fleet as a galley slave Go to Knox, John (1514–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1549	The first version of the English prayer book, or Book of Common Prayer, is published with text by Thomas Cranmer Go to Book of Common Prayer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1553	Mary I succeeds to the English throne, and devotes her energies to the restoration of the Catholic faith Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1554	Mary I causes grave offence in England by her marriage to the Catholic heir to the king of Spain Go to Philip II (1527–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Spain Rulers and politicians Britain
1555	The Peace of Augsburg achieves a compromise which for a while solves the religious tensions deriving from the Reformation Go to Augsburg, Peace of (1555) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Germany The Protestant martyrs, though few in number, ensure the reputation of Bloody Mary in English history Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1559	John Knox returns to Scotland from Geneva and inspires the Protestants to march on Edinburgh Go to Knox, John (1514–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Scotland British Isles Europe Britain A national synod of France's Protestants, the Huguenots, is convened in Paris Go to Huguenots in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Europe France
1561	Mary Queen of Scots returns from France to Edinburgh, and to an inevitable clash with John Knox Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1564	The bishop of Transylvania, Ferenc Dávid, preaches that only God the Father is divine, launching the Unitarian faith Go to Unitarianism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Europe Hungary
1567	The Book of Common Prayer and the New Testament are published in Welsh, to be followed by the complete Bible in 1588 Go to Book of Common Prayer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English Christianity Wales British Isles Europe Britain
1570	Pope Pius V excommunicates the English queen, Elizabeth I, causing a severe crisis of loyalty for her Catholic subjects Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Christianity Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Italy Rulers and politicians Britain
1572	A massacre of French Protestants, known as the Huguenots, begins in Paris on St Bartholomew's Day Go to St Bartholomew's Day Massacre (23–24 August 1572) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France
1579	The Union of Arras and the Union of Utrecht split the Netherlands into Catholic and Protestant camps Go to Arras, Union of in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Christianity Europe Belgium Netherlands
1580	The first Jesuit missionaries arrive in England, with Edmund Campion among their number Go to Campion, Edmund, St (1540–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity Monasticism British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1585	Catholics are now the martyrs in England, their numbers almost matching the Protestant martyrs of the previous reign Go to martyr in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1590	Arjan, the fifth Sikh guru, builds many gurdwaras and commences the holy city of Amritsar Go to gurdwara noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
1593	Henry IV becomes a Catholic so as to secure Paris and the throne of France Go to Henry IV in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Europe France
1598	The Edict of Nantes secures the civil rights of France's Protestants, the Huguenots Go to Nantes, Edict of (1598) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity Europe France
1604	James I commissions the Authorized version of the Bible, which is completed by forty-seven scholars in seven years Go to Durgāpur (West Bengal/India) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1605	The Gunpowder Plot, attempting murder and treason, severely damages the Catholic cause in Britain Go to Gunpowder plot (1605) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1608	A shipload of Puritans, among them some of the future Pilgrim Fathers, sail from Boston in Lincolnshire to seek religious freedom in Holland Go to puritan in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Belgium Netherlands Britain
1612	The establishment of a Baptist church in London is a defining moment for the Baptist sect within Christianity Go to Baptist in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1614	An edict is passed expelling Jesuit missionaries from Japan, and ordering their converts to revert to Buddhism Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Christianity Monasticism Asia East Asia China
1619	The Protestant Frederick V (elector palatine of the Rhine) is elected king by the rebellious Bohemian nobles Go to Frederick V (1596–1632) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Austrian empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Christianity Bohemia Austria Czech Republic Empires
1632	Shah Jahan orders that all recently built Hindu temples shall be destroyed, ending the Mughal tradition of religious tolerance Go to Shah Jahan (1592–1666) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1636	Rhode Island is founded by Roger Williams as a colony based on the principle of religious tolerance Go to Williams, Roger (c. 1603–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1637	Charles I and his archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, attempt to impose the full Anglican hierarchy on presbyterian Scotland Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity War Scotland British Isles Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1638	A National Covenant, first signed in an Edinburgh churchyard, commits the Covenanters to oppose Charles I's reforms of the Church of Scotland Go to Covenanters in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain Riots erupt in Edinburgh, in response to the attempt by Charles I and Laud to impose a hierarchy of Anglican bishops Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity War Scotland British Isles Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
c. 1650	Hindu princes and brahmin priests withdraw from Java to Bali, turning the island into the last outpost of Hinduism in southeast Asia Go to Bali in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Asia East Asia Southeast Asia James Ussher, archbishop of Armagh, calculates that creation began on Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC Go to Ussher, James (1581–1656) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain The Dalai Lama declares that his teacher is also an incarnation of a future Buddha, and that he is to be known as Panchen Go to Panchen Lama in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Asia East Asia
1652	Nikon becomes patriarch of all Russia and introduces reforms which cause the Old Believers to form a breakaway sect Go to Nikon (1605–81) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Christianity Europe Russia
1653	John Bunyan joins a Nonconformist church in Bedford and becomes one of their preachers Go to Bunyan, John (1628–88) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1655	George Fox begins preaching in England, in a movement which develops into the Society of Friends - or Quakers Go to quakers in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1656	Jews return to England after Cromwell repeals the law of 1290 forbidding their residence in the country Go to Cromwell, Oliver (1599–1658) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Judaism Social and domestic British Isles Europe Society Britain
1661	John Bunyan is convicted of unlicensed preaching and spends the next eleven years in Bedford Gaol Go to Bunyan, John (1628–88) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity British Isles Europe Britain The Cavalier Parliament begins to pass a series of acts, known as the Clarendon Code, containing punitive measures against Presbyterians Go to Clarendon code in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1662	The Act of Uniformity demands that Anglican clergy accept all the Thirty-Nine Articles, costing many their livings Go to Uniformity, Act of (1662) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1664	The Conventicle Act restricts worship in England to Anglican churches if more than a few people are present Go to Clarendon code in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1665	The Five Mile Act prevents Nonconformist ministers in England from coming closer than five miles to any town where they have ministered Go to Clarendon code in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1668	The Jesuits establish a mission at Sault Sainte Marie which becomes the starting point for French exploration south of the Great Lakes Go to Sault Sainte Marie (Canada, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Monasticism European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires North America Canada
1672	Charles II issues a Declaration of Indulgence, suspending the restrictions on Catholics and Nonconformists Go to Declarations of Indulgence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1673	Parliament in England passes a Test Act excluding Catholics and Nonconformists from public office Go to Test Act in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1678	The Popish Plot, an invented Jesuit conspiracy to kill Charles II, results in the execution of about thirty-five Roman Catholics Go to Popish Plot (1678) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
c. 1680	Louis XIV persecutes the Huguenots by means of dragonnades - the billetting of unruly dragoons in the homes of villagers Go to Dragonnades in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France
1682	William Penn approves the Great Law, allowing complete freedom of religious belief in Pennsylvania Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1683	Mennonites and other from Germany (later known as the Pennsylvania Dutch) begin to settle in Penn's liberal colony Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1685	James II succeeds to the throne in Britain and immediately introduces pro-Catholic policies Go to James II (1633–1701) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain 400,000 Huguenots leave France after Louis XIV deprives them of their rights by revoking the Edict of Nantes Go to Nantes, Edict of (1598) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Europe France
1689	James II, landing in Ireland, is acclaimed as king in Dublin by enthusiastic Irish Catholics Go to James II (1633–1701) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
1690	The Church of Scotland finally wins recognition as an independent Presbyterian body Go to Presbyterianism noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Scotland British Isles Europe Britain
1699	The tenth Sikh guru, Gobind Rai, commits his people to the five Ks, which become the outward signs of their group identity Go to Five Ks in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
c. 1700	In the years after the battle of the Boyne, Catholic ownership of land in Ireland is reduced to just 14% of the total Go to Boyne, Battle of the (1 July 1690) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
1701	The Act of Settlement declares that no Catholic may inherit the English crown Go to Settlement, Act of (1701) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1704	The tenth Sikh guru, Gobind Rai, names as his successor the sacred book known as the Granth Go to Ādi Granth in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
c. 1730	John and Charles Wesley form a Holy Club at Oxford which becomes the cradle of Methodism Go to Holy Club in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1735	A revivalist movement in America, led by Jonathan Edwards, becomes known as the Great Awakening Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity North America United States
c. 1740	A charismatic leader, Baal Shem Tov, develops Hasidism in Poland as an influential revivalist movement within Judaism Go to Hasidism in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Judaism Europe Poland
1741	American revivalism is inflamed by Jonathan Edwards' vivid sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity North America United States
1744	The Muslim reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab makes an alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud, of significance to the later Saudi dynasty Go to Saud, Muhammad ibn al- (1746–65) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Asia West Asia
1754	In Freedom of Will American evangelist Jonathan Edwards makes an uncompromising defence of orthodox against liberal Calvinism Go to Edwards, Jonathan (1703–58) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity North America United States
1759	The Portuguese expel the Jesuits from Brazil, beginning a widespread reaction against the order in Catholic Europe Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Portugal Latin America Brazil South America
1769	Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra begins work at San Diego de Cala, the first of his nine California missions Go to Serra, Junipero (1713–1784) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity Monasticism North America United States
1773	Responding to pressure from the Catholic monarchs of Europe, Clement XIV abolishes the Jesuit Order Go to Clement XIV (1705–74) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1774	The treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji grants Russia special rights in relation to the Christian Holy Places under Ottoman control Go to Russo-Ottoman Wars in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Crimean War Politics Christianity War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Empires Wars and Revolutions Illiterate visionary Ann Lee, leader of an English sect, the 'Shaking Quakers', crosses the Atlantic to spread the word Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America United States
1775	Talleyrand begins an extremely varied career by becoming an abbot at the age of twenty-one Go to Talleyrand (1754–1838) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity Europe France
c. 1780	In developing the Haskalah, the German philosopher Moses Mendelssohn reconciles Judaism and the Enlightenment Go to Mendelssohn, Moses (RaMbeMaN) (1729–86) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Judaism Germany
1781	Joseph II passes an Edict of Toleration, for the first time allowing Protestant worship in Habsburg territories Go to Joseph II (1741–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Holy Roman empire Austrian empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Christianity Austria Empires Ann Lee leads her Shaker colleagues in a missionary tour of New England lasting two years Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century North America United States
c. 1790	A second great revivalist movement sweeps northeast America, inspired by the earlier example of Jonathan Edwards Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity North America United States
1795	Thomas Paine publishes his completed Age of Reason, an attack on conventional Christianity Go to Age of Reason, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain A secret Protestant group, the Orange Society, is formed in Co. Armagh to resist Irish nationalism Go to Orange order in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
1797	Pope Pius VI is seized by a French army in Rome and is taken off to captivity in France Go to Pius VI (1717–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Christianity Papacy Rome Europe France Italy
1801	Napoleon mends France's fences with Roman Catholicism by agreeing a Concordat with Pope Pius VII Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Christianity Papacy Europe France Italy
1808	The Shakers define their Millennial laws in the Testimony of Christ's Second Appearing Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1809	Napoleon annexes the Papal States and is excommunicated by the pope, Pius VII Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization Christianity Papacy War Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions Napoleon, in response to his excommunication, has pope Pius VII arrested and kept in captivity in northern Italy and then France Go to Pius VII (1742–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Christianity War Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions
1814	The Jesuit Order is restored by Pius VII on his return to Rome Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1815	The rulers of Russia, Prussia and Austria form a Holy Alliance to preserve their concept of a Christian Europe Go to Holy Alliance (1815) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Christianity War Europe Austria Germany Russia Wars and Revolutions
1818	The first Reform congregation within Judaism is established in Germany, in the Hamburg Temple Go to Reform Judaism noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Judaism Germany A leader of the Ismaili sect is granted, by the shah of Persia, the hereditary title of Aga Khan Go to Aga Khan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
c. 1821	The Shaker settlements, now widespread in the US, form The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing Go to Shakers in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1823	Daniel O'Connell organizes Catholic Associations throughout Ireland, funded by the members' penny subscriptions Go to Catholic Association (1823–9) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain A heavenly being appears to Joseph Smith in New York state – an event which launches the Mormon church Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1829	The Emancipation Act, enabling Daniel O'Connell to take his seat at Westminster, at last removes the restrictions on Catholics in UK public life Go to Catholic Emancipation, Act of (1829) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1830	The Book of Mormon, translated from miraculously discovered holy tablets, is published by their finder Joseph Smith Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1831	Evangelical preacher Charles Grandison Finney leads a new wave of revivalism in the northeastern states Go to Finney, Charles Grandison (1792–1875) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity North America United States
1838	In his Divinity School Address, delivered at Harvard, Ralph Waldo Emerson criticizes formal religion and gives priority to personal spiritual experience Go to Divinity School Address in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Christianity North America United States
1839	Joseph Smith and the Mormons create the thriving town of Nauvoo in Illinois on the Mississippi Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1844	The Young Men's Christian Association is founded in London by British drapery assistant George Williams Go to Young Men's Christian Association in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Mormon leader, Joseph Smith, and his brother are killed by an armed mob in Nauvoo Go to Smith, Joseph (1805–44) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination North America United States
1846	Brigham Young leads the migration of Mormons west up the Missouri from Illinois Go to Young, Brigham (1801–77) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1847	Brigham Young selects the site of Salt Lake City as the place for Mormon settlement Go to Young, Brigham (1801–77) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1848	Two New York girls, Maggie and Katie Fox, claim to be in touch with the spirit of a murdered man, thus launching the modern cult of spiritualism Go to spiritualism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1851	Samson Raphael Hirsch becomes rabbi of a synagogue in Frankfurt, where he develops the theme of neo-Orthodoxy Go to Hirsch, Samson Raphael in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Judaism Germany The first American branch of the Young Men's Christian Association is established in Boston Go to Young Men's Christian Association in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity North America United States
1852	The citizens of the US are scandalized to discover that the Mormons practise polygamy Go to Mormons in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States France demands that Turkey should end Russia's exclusive control of the Christian Holy Places in the Ottoman empire Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Politics Christianity War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Empires Wars and Revolutions Russia insists that her exclusive rights over the Holy Places are enshrined in the treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Politics Christianity War Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions
1853	Antoinette Brown becomes the first female to be ordained a minister in the USA, in the First Congregational Church in South Butler, NY Go to Blackwell, Antoinette Louisa Brown (1825–1921) in The Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity North America United States
1854	Pope Pius IX issues a papal bull declaring that the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is to be an article of faith for Catholics Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
c. 1855	The Christian Socialism of F.D. Maurice and others is mocked by its opponents as 'muscular Christianity' Go to Maurice, F. D. (1805–72) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1857	David Livingstone urges upon a Cambridge audience the high ideal of taking 'commerce and Christianity' into Africa Go to Livingstone, David (1813–73) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Christianity Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Europe Society Empires Britain
1858	The Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Second Opium War, gives European powers new rights to intervene in Chinese affairs Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia China Europe Empires Lionel Nathan Rothschild becomes the first Jew to sit in Britain's House of Commons, taking his oath on the Old Testament Go to Rothschild Family in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Judaism Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1863	The Seventh-day Adventists become an organized church, with a first General Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan Go to Seventh-day Adventists in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1864	Pope Pius IX includes socialism, civil marriage and secular education among eighty modern errors listed in his Syllabus Go to Syllabus Errorum in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1866	Recovery from serious injury convinces Mary Baker Eddy that sickness and health are spiritually based, and provides her with the impulse to found Christian Science Go to Eddy, Mary Baker (1821–1910) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1869	British prime minister William Gladstone introduces a bill to disestablish the Anglican church in Ireland Go to Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
1870	Pope Pius IX, rapidly losing temporal authority, declares a new dogma – that the pope, when speaking from the throne, is infallible on matters of faith or morals Go to Pius IX (1792–1878) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy The Turkish sultan finally allows the Christians of Bulgaria to have their own Orthodox patriarch Go to Bulgaria, Christianity in in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity Turks Europe
1873	US shoe salesman and YMCA member Dwight L. Moody launches into a new career as a revivalist preacher Go to Moody, Dwight Lyman (1837–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Christianity North America United States
1875	Madame Blavatsky founds in New York the Theosophical Society, preaching universal brotherhood with a strong dash of mysticism Go to Blavatsky, Madame Helena Petrovna (1831–91) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States Mary Baker Eddy expounds her beliefs in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, later considered the textbook of Christian Science Go to Christian Science in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1879	Mary Baker Eddy and others found the first Church of Christ, Scientist, in Lynn, Massachusetts Go to Christian Science in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century North America United States
1881	The first pogroms, or officially sanctioned attacks on Jews and their property, take place in Russia Go to pogrom in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Persecution and repression Judaism Europe Russia
1882	The first settlements of European Jews, returning to the promised land, are established in Palestine Go to World Zionist Organization in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Judaism Migration Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society
c. 1888	An American Indian visionary, Wovoka, launches a new religion that will bring the dead back to life, calling it the Ghost Dance Go to Wovoka (c. 1865–1932) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century American Indians North America United States
1890	Scottish anthropologist James Frazer publishes The Golden Bough, a massive compilation of contemporary knowledge about ritual and religious custom Go to Frazer, Sir James George (1854–1941) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain
1896	Utah is admitted to the union as the 45th state, after the Mormons agree to give up polygamy Go to Utah (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics North America United States Theodor Herzl publishes The Jewish State, calling for a national homeland for all Jews Go to Herzl, Theodor (1860–1904) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Judaism Migration Austria Society
1897	The first Zionist Congress is held in Basel with Theodor Herzl in the chair Go to World Zionist Organization in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Judaism Switzerland
1903	Giuseppe Sarto is elected pope and takes the name Pius X Go to Pius X, St (1835–1914) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1906	The All-India Muslim League is set up at a meeting of the Muhammadan Educational Conference in Dhaka Go to Muslim League in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam War British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1908	Gideons International place their first bible in a hotel bedroom, in Montana, USA Go to Gideon in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Christianity Social and domestic Society North America United States
1913	Albert Schweitzer and his wife become missionaries at Lambaréné in west Africa Go to Schweitzer, Albert (1875–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Christianity Africa West Africa
1914	The Assemblies of God is established as the largest affiliation of Pentecostal churches Go to Assemblies of God in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Christianity North America United States Giacomo della Chiesa is elected pope and takes the name Benedict XV Go to Benedict XV (3 Sept. 1914–22 Jan. 1922) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1916	June 5 - Sharif Hussein, the emir of Mecca, proclaims himself the leader of the Muslim world, thus launching an Arab revolt against the Ottoman empire Go to Hussein, ibn Ali (1856–1931) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Islam War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Empires Wars since 1900
1917	Foreign Secretary A.J. Balfour declares Britain's conditional support for a homeland in Palestine for the Jews Go to Balfour declaration in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Judaism Migration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1919	The Swiss theologian Karl Barth publishes his influential Commentary on Romans, taking St Paul's epistle as his text Go to Barth, Karl (1886–1968) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Christianity Switzerland
1920	The Haganah is set up as an underground military organization to protect Jewish settlements in Palestine Go to Haganah in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
1922	Ambrogio Ratti is elected pope and takes the name Pius XI Go to Pius XI (6 Feb. 1922–10 Feb. 1939) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1923	In I and Thou the Austrian theologian Martin Buber interprets religion in terms of the subjective experience of interpersonal relationships Go to Buber, Martin (1878–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature Philosophy Christianity Austria
1925	The RSS party, from which the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) derives, is established in India by Keshava Baliram Hedgewar Go to Rāṣṭrīya Svayamsevak Saṅgh(a) in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent)
1928	Hassan al-Banna, a schoolteacher in Ismailia, founds the Muslim Brotherhood – to campaign for a society based on the Qu'ran with the sharia as its legal system Go to Muslim Brotherhood in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Africa North Africa Egypt
1929	The Lateran Treaty, between the Holy See and the state of Italy, establishes the Vatican City as a free state within the wider nation Go to Lateran Treaties (11 February 1929) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Christianity Europe Italy Arabs in the Palestinian town of Hebron turn on their Jewish neighbours and murder sixty-seven Go to Palestine in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Islam Judaism Social and domestic Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society
c. 1930	The Rastafarian cult evolves in Jamaica, viewing Ras Tafari, the emperor of Ethiopia, as the black Messiah Go to Rastafarianism in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Latin America Caribbean Wallace D. Fard founds the Nation of Islam as a black separatist movement in the USA Go to Nation of Islam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam North America United States
c. 1931	Sectarian hostilities increase in Kashmir, with the Muslim majority resenting the favours shown by the British to the Sikh and Hindu elite Go to Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad (1905–82) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Islam Social and domestic British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan Society Empires Irgun, a new Jewish paramilitary group, is set up by Haganah commanders frustrated by the older organization's policies Go to Irgun in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
1933	Adolf Hitler passes a law forcing the 'retirement' of all Jews working in the civil service, schools and universities Go to anti‐Semitism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism Germany
1934	Elijah Muhammad takes control of the Nation of Islam, or Black Muslims, and leads the movement for more than 40 years Go to Muhammad, Elijah (1975) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam North America United States Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes president of the Muslim League in India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1935	Adolf Hitler promulgates a law prohibiting any sexual relationship between Jews and 'Aryans' Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism Germany New Nazi laws announced at Nuremberg strip Jews of their German citizenship Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Judaism Social and domestic Germany Society
1937	Pope Pius XI issues an encyclical, Mit Brennender Sorge, condemning the Nazi ideology of racism Go to Mit brennender Sorge in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Christianity Papacy Europe Germany Italy Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller is arrested for defying the Nazis and spends the next eight years in concentration camps Go to Niemöller, Martin (1892–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Christianity Germany
1938	Left-wingers and Jews suffer immediate persecution in Nazi Austria, now part of Germany Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism Austria November 9 - Nazi gangs smash the premises of Jews throughout Germany and Austria in a night that becomes known as Kristallnacht, the night of cut glass Go to Kristallnacht in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Persecution and repression Judaism Germany
1939	Eugenio Pacelli is elected pope and takes the name Pius XII Go to Pius XII (1876–1958) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1940	Mohammed Ali Jinnah puts forward the concept of independent Muslim states within India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Islam European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires Roger Schutz establishes an ecumenical religious order at Taizé in France Go to Taizé Community in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Christianity Europe France
1941	May - in preparation for the invasion of Russia, Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler set up Special Task Commandos (Einsatzkommando) to exterminate Communists and Jews Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 July 31 - Goering orders Reinhard Heydrich to prepare plans for the 'final solution of the Jewish question' Go to Final Solution in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 October 16 - Adolf Eichmann, in an official letter about policy in relation to the Jews, uses the phrase 'the final solution' Go to Eichmann, Karl Adolf (b. 19 Mar. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 December 7 - in three adapted vans at Chelmno, in western Poland, the Germans begin using poison gas to kill Jews Go to Chełmno in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1942	A Jewish girl in Amsterdam, Anne Frank, is given a diary for her thirteenth birthday Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Judaism Social and domestic Europe Netherlands Society from March - German industrial enterprises are moved from the vulnerable Ruhr valley to the slave labour facilities of Auschwitz Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900
1943	April 19 - Jews in Warsaw resist a fierce German onslaught for a month before their ghetto is finally destroyed Go to Warsaw Ghetto in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1944	September - Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat in Budapest, saves thousands of Jews from extermination Go to Wallenberg, Raoul (1912–c. 1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Hungary Sweden Wars since 1900
1945	[1939-1945] - by the end of the war the total number of Jews killed by the Nazis is around 6 million Go to Holocaust, the (1933–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Wars since 1900
1947	In granting independence to India, Britain partitions the subcontinent along sectarian lines into Pakistan and the republic of India Go to Partition in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Islam British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Muslims proclaim an independent state in west Kashmir, defying the wishes of the maharaja Go to Kashmir in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) An Arab boy, herding goats in the Qumran desert, finds the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls Go to Dead Sea Scrolls in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Judaism Science Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
1948	The World Council of Churches is established in Amsterdam – a significant step in the ecumenical movement Go to World Council of Churches in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Christianity Europe Netherlands The Muslim Brotherhood carries out acts of terrorism against the Egyptian authorities and British troops Go to Muslim Brotherhood in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Islam Africa North Africa Egypt
1950	US evangelist Billy Graham forms the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, to take the Christian message to the world Go to Graham, Billy (1918– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity North America United States
1952	Albanian missionary Mother Teresa opens the Nirmal Hriday, or Kalighat Home for Dying Destitutes, in Calcutta Go to Teresa, Mother (1910–1997) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity Social and domestic Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Society
1953	Black American Malcolm Little, who has joined the Nation of Islam while in prison, adopts the surname X to symbolize his rejection of his slave name Go to Malcolm X (1925–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Islam North America United States
1954	Korean evangelist Sun Myung Moon launches the Unification Church, a mission to unify world Christianity Go to Moon, Sun Myung (1920–2012) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity Asia East Asia Korea Nasser escapes an assassination attempt by the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood Go to Muslim Brotherhood in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Islam Africa North Africa Egypt
1956	Civil war breaks out in Sudan between the Muslim north and the Christian south Go to Sudan in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity Islam War Africa East Africa
1957	US novelist Mary McCarthy describes the religious pressures she grew up with in Memories of a Catholic Girlhood Go to McCarthy, Mary (1912–) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Christianity North America United States
1958	Angelo Roncalli is elected pope and takes the name John XXIII Go to John XXIII (1881–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy
1959	Pope John XXIII summons a second Vatican Council Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy The Dalai Lama escapes from Tibet to India after the Chinese suppression of an armed uprising costing thousands of lives Go to Dalai Lama (1935– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia China South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
c. 1960	Neo-Pentecostalism, also known as Charismatic Renewal, becomes an important element within many Christian denominations Go to Charismatic Renewal Movement in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity
1962	Ruhollah Khomeini, a leading ayatollah in Qom, denounces the Shah of Iran and declares a fatwa against his regime Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican begins, 94 years after the start of the First Vatican Council under Pius IX Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–5) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Europe Italy
1963	Pope John XXIII dies, only a few month's after the start of the great Vatican council that he has summoned Go to John XXIII (1881–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Italian cardinal Giovanni Montini is elected pope and takes the name Paul VI Go to Paul VI (1897–1978) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Ayatollah Khomeini is arrested in Qom, and imprisoned for eight months in Tehran, after instigating riots against the Shah Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
1965	Black activist and convert to Islam Malcolm X is assassinated when giving a speech in the Audubon Ballroom in New York Go to Malcolm X (1925–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Islam North America United States The Second Vatican Council ends, having made some radical changes in the ritual and attitudes of the Roman Catholic church Go to Vatican Council, Second (1962–5) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Europe Italy
1968	Pope Paul VI issues the encyclical Humanae Vitae, condemning all methods of artificial birth control Go to Humanae vitae in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Catholic bishops in Latin America, plagued by oppressive regimes, develop the concept of liberation theology Go to liberation theology in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Christianity Latin America Central America South America
1978	Italian cardinal Albino Luciani is elected pope and takes the name John Paul I Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Pope John Paul I dies, after a pontificate of only 33 days Go to John Paul I (28 Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Popes (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Polish cardinal Karol Wojtyla is elected pope and takes the name John Paul II Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Demonstrations take place throughout Iran, demanding Islamic rule under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
1979	An Islamic revolution forces the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to flee from Iran Go to Pahlavi, Muhammad Reza (1919–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Ayatollah Khomeini receives a rapturous welcome on his return to Iran to head the Islamic Revolutionary Committee Go to Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah (1900–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Islam Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Communist measures in Afghanistan provoke a Muslim jihad and the murder of more than 100 Russians in Herat Go to Afghanistan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Islam Asia Central Asia Afghanistan John Paul II makes an emotional and influential return to Poland, the country of his birth Go to John Paul II (1920–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Christianity Europe Poland Supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini seize the US embassy in Tehran, taking hostage 66 US citizens Go to Iran hostage crisis (4 Nov. 1979–20 Jan. 1980) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Islam US presidents Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Rulers and politicians
1980	Archbishop Oscar Romero, an exponent of liberation theology, is killed as he celebrates Mass in San Salvador Go to Romero, Oscar Arnulfo (1917–80) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Christianity Latin America Central America
1981	Muslim terrorists assassinate Anwar el-Sadat, in response to his peace agreement with Israel Go to Sadat, Muhammad Anwar al- (b. 25 Dec. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Islam Africa North Africa Egypt Palestine and Israel
1982	Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church (or 'Moonies'), is convicted in the USA of tax fraud and imprisoned Go to Moon, Sun Myung (1920–2012) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century North America United States Christian militiamen massacre Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Chatila camps in Lebanon Go to Lebanon in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Christianity Islam Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Hezbollah emerges in Lebanon as an Iranian-sponsored resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of the southern part of the country Go to Hezbollah in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Islam Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Palestine and Israel
1983	Government imposition of Islamic law (sharia) triggers renewed civil war in Sudan between the Muslim north and Christian south Go to Sudan, Christianity in in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Christianity Islam War Africa East Africa
1984	Sikh rebels, demanding an independent Punjab, seize the Golden Temple in Amritsar Go to Punjab in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
1986	Desmond Tutu is the first black African to be archbishop of Cape Town Go to Tutu, Desmond Mpilo (1931– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Christianity Social and domestic Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Society
1987	An Intifada begins against Israeli occupation of Palestinian land Go to intifada in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Islam Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Hamas (acronym in Arabic for 'Movement for Islamic Resistance') is founded in the occupied territories to lead armed resistance against Israel Go to Hamas in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Islam Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
1988	Ayatollah Khomeini declares a fatwa against Salman Rushdie for his Satanic Verses Go to Rushdie Affair in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Islam Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Europe Britain A woman is consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts, becoming the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion's historic line of succession from St Peter Go to women, ordination of in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Christianity North America United States Osama bin Laden's involvement in the fight against Soviet forces in Afghanistan leads to his development of al-Qaeda Go to al-Qaeda in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Islam Asia Central Asia Afghanistan
1991	A new party, the Islamic Salvation Front, seems certain to win the Algerian election – until the army intervenes Go to Islamic Salvation Front in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Islam Africa North Africa
1992	Algeria is plunged into a brutal civil war between a military junta and Muslim terrorists Go to Algeria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Islam War Africa North Africa The mujaheddin, after removing from power the Soviet-backed president Najibullah, proclaim an Islamic state Go to Afghanistan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Islam War Asia Central Asia Afghanistan
1993	The Branch Dravidians, members of a religious cult, burn to death in their Waco headquarters under siege by the FBI Go to Branch Davidians in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States
c. 1994	Mullah Mohammed Omar, in Kandahar, forms a group devoted to fundamentalist Islam and calls it Taliban (meaning students of the Qur'an) Go to Taliban in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Islam Asia Central Asia Afghanistan In his apostolic letter Ordinatio sacerdotalis John Paul II forbids even any discussion of the ordination of women Go to John Paul II Bl (1920–2005) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Christianity Europe Italy
1995	Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam organizes a Million Man March into Washington Go to Nation of Islam in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Islam North America United States
1997	Thousands of Shia Muslims are massacred by the Taliban in Mazar-e-Sharif, in a brief spell before they are driven from the city Go to Taliban in The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Islam War Asia Central Asia Afghanistan
1999	An amnesty is declared for some 8000 Muslim terrorists held in Algeria's gaols Go to Algeria in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Islam Social and domestic Africa North Africa Society The Russian army returns to Chechnya after Islamic militants commit acts of terrorism Go to Chechnya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Terrorism and assassination Islam Europe Russia
2005	John Paul II, dying after 26 years on the papal throne, is the third longest-serving pope in history Go to John Paul II Bl (1920–2005) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Joseph Ratzinger is elected pope and takes the name Benedict XVI Go to Benedict XVI (1927– ) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Controversial cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad are published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten Go to Muhammad (c.570–632) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Islam Europe Denmark

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date: 22 January 2025

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