Medieval Christianity
The development of Christianity from Constantine through the Renaissance (4th-15th centuries)
Locale: en
Key Characteristics
- •Christianization of European society and culture
- •Rise of monasticism and religious orders
- •Development of scholastic theology and philosophy
- •Church as primary institution of medieval society
- •East-West schism and crusading movement
Major Developments
- •Establishment of papal authority and hierarchy
- •Development of sacramental theology
- •Integration of classical philosophy with Christianity
- •Creation of universities and educational institutions
- •Art, architecture, and culture as religious expression
Late Antiquity (300-600 CE)
313 CE
Constantine and Licinius legalize Christianity throughout the Roman Empire
Significance:
End of persecution, beginning of Christian imperial support
325 CE
First ecumenical council addressing Arian controversy and establishing Nicene Creed
Significance:
Foundation of orthodox Christology and creedal Christianity
380-392 CE
Christianity becomes the official state religion of the Roman Empire
Significance:
Complete Christianization of imperial institutions
476 CE
Odoacer deposes Romulus Augustulus, ending Western Roman Empire
Significance:
Church becomes primary institution preserving Roman culture
Early Middle Ages (600-1000 CE)
590-604 CE
Establishes papal authority and missionary outreach to Anglo-Saxons
Significance:
Foundation of medieval papal power and missionary activity
600-800 CE
Benedictine Rule becomes standard for Western monasticism
Significance:
Monasteries become centers of learning and culture preservation
726-842 CE
Byzantine controversy over religious images, affecting East-West relations
Significance:
Contributed to growing division between Eastern and Western churches
800 CE
Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor
Significance:
Establishment of Holy Roman Empire and papal political authority
High Middle Ages (1000-1300 CE)
1054 CE
Mutual excommunications between Pope and Patriarch create permanent division
Significance:
Formal split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches
1095-1099 CE
Pope Urban II calls for crusade to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control
Significance:
Beginning of crusading movement and Christian-Muslim conflict
1100-1300 CE
Development of medieval universities and scholastic theology
Significance:
Institutionalization of Christian learning and philosophy
1215 CE
Major reform council addressing church discipline and doctrine
Significance:
Established transubstantiation and annual confession requirements
Late Middle Ages (1300-1500 CE)
1309-1377 CE
Popes reside in Avignon, France, under French influence
Significance:
Weakened papal authority and led to Great Schism
1378-1417 CE
Multiple claimants to papacy, dividing Western Christianity
Significance:
Crisis of papal authority and conciliar movement
1414-1418 CE
Ends Great Schism and addresses church reform
Significance:
Established conciliar authority over papacy
1453 CE
Ottoman Turks capture Constantinople, ending Byzantine Empire
Significance:
End of medieval period, beginning of early modern era
272-337 CE
Roman Emperor
Major Contributions
- •Legalization of Christianity (Edict of Milan)
- •Council of Nicaea convener
- •Christianization of Roman Empire
- •Foundation of Constantinople
Key Writings
- •Edict of Milan (313)
- •Various imperial decrees
- •Letters to bishops
Historical Significance:
Transformed Christianity from persecuted sect to state religion
354-430 CE
Bishop and Theologian
Major Contributions
- •Doctrine of original sin
- •Grace and predestination theology
- •Just war theory
- •Christian philosophy
Key Writings
- •Confessions
- •City of God
- •On the Trinity
- •On Christian Doctrine
Historical Significance:
Most influential theologian in Western Christianity
480-547 CE
Monk and Abbot
Major Contributions
- •Benedictine Rule
- •Monastic organization
- •Balance of prayer and work
- •Stability in monastic life
Key Writings
- •Rule of Saint Benedict
- •Various letters and sermons
Historical Significance:
Father of Western monasticism, shaped medieval spirituality
540-604 CE
Pope and Theologian
Major Contributions
- •Papal authority expansion
- •Missionary outreach
- •Liturgical reforms
- •Pastoral theology
Key Writings
- •Pastoral Care
- •Dialogues
- •Moralia in Job
- •Gregorian chant development
Historical Significance:
Established papal primacy and medieval church structure
1225-1274 CE
Theologian and Philosopher
Major Contributions
- •Summa Theologica
- •Integration of Aristotle with Christianity
- •Natural theology
- •Scholastic method
Key Writings
- •Summa Theologica
- •Summa Contra Gentiles
- •Commentaries on Aristotle
- •Various theological treatises
Historical Significance:
Greatest medieval theologian, synthesized faith and reason
1181-1226 CE
Monk and Saint
Major Contributions
- •Franciscan Order founder
- •Poverty and simplicity
- •Creation spirituality
- •Peace and reconciliation
Key Writings
- •Canticle of the Sun
- •Rule of Saint Francis
- •Various prayers and letters
Historical Significance:
Revolutionary approach to Christian spirituality and poverty
Monasticism
Benedictine Order
Founded by Benedict of Nursia, emphasizing prayer, work, and stability
Franciscan Order
Founded by Francis of Assisi, emphasizing poverty and simplicity
Dominican Order
Founded by Dominic, emphasizing preaching and education
Intellectual Movements
Scholasticism
Integration of reason and faith, systematic theology
Universities
Centers of learning and theological education
Mysticism
Direct experience of God through contemplation