Timelines of Church History (by Century)

Navigate the major events of Catholic history through clear chronological timelines. From Pentecost to the present, trace the key dates, councils, and turning points that shaped the Church.

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Chronological Guide

Key Dates inChurch History

History is best understood when we can see how events connect across time. These timelines provide a chronological framework for exploring the major developments in Catholic history - from the apostolic age through the great councils, the rise of monasticism, the challenges of the medieval period, and the reforms that followed.

Each timeline highlights the significant events, figures, and turning points of its period. You will see how the early persecutions gave way to imperial recognition, how barbarian invasions led to monastic renewal, and how the Church has continually adapted while remaining faithful to the deposit of faith.

Use these timelines as a reference tool alongside our other historical resources, or simply browse them to gain a sense of the sweep of Catholic history.

At a Glance

Clear Chronology

See events in sequence to understand cause and effect across the centuries of Church history.

Key Events

Focus on the councils, schisms, reforms, and milestones that shaped the Church we know today.

Century by Century

Explore detailed breakdowns of particular centuries for in-depth chronological study.

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12th century

The Catholic Church in the 12th Century: A Timeline of Key Events

The end of the 11th century and the start of the 12th century was a watershed for the Catholic Church. Major changes in the European and Near Eastern political landscape had far-reaching implications for Catholics of the period. Below is a timeline highlighting some of the highlights of the period, which affected the Catholic Church and the principal theologians and popes of the day.

7 min read

13th century

The Catholic Church in the 13th Century: A Timeline of Key Events

In some respects, the 13th century is thought by historians to be the apogee of the High Middle Ages. The Crusades were in full flow, helping build the sea powers of Venice and Genoa and fuelling the early days of the Reconquista in Spain. The papacy was at the height of its political and financial influence, with figures such as Innocent III wielding considerable religious power, often to the detriment of groups such as the Waldensians and new movements such as the Cathars.

14th century

The Catholic Church in the 14th Century: A Timeline of Key Events

The 14th century (1301-1400) was a period of significant upheaval and change across the globe. Key events include the Great Famine, the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and various political and social shifts in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It also marked a period of immense upheaval in the Catholic Church. The papacy's relocation to Avignon between 1309 and 1377, sometimes called the Babylonian Captivity, and which contributed to the Western Schism (1378-1417), significantly diminished the office's prestige and authority as it increasingly came under the influence of the French monarchy.

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Select a Period

Our timelines are organised into major historical periods, each covering several centuries of Church history. Within some periods, you will find more detailed century-by-century breakdowns for those who wish to explore in greater depth.

Choose a period below to view its timeline and discover the events that defined that era of the Church.

The Early Church (30 CE – 300 CE)

Trace the Church's journey from a small band of disciples in Jerusalem to a faith that spanned the Roman Empire. These first three centuries saw explosive growth, fierce persecution, and the emergence of the structures that define Catholic Christianity.

The Spread of Christianity (300 CE – 600 CE)

Witness the transformation of the Roman world. From Constantine's conversion to Gregory the Great, Christianity became the official religion of the empire, defined its doctrine through great councils, and began to shape the civilisation of Europe.

Monasticism and the Crusades (600 CE – 1100 CE)

Explore the age of monks, missionaries, and crusaders. From the conversion of the barbarian kingdoms to the First Crusade, this era saw the Church shape medieval Europe and launch the great enterprise to liberate the Holy Land.

Power Politics of the Western Church (1100 CE – 1500 CE)

Discover the high medieval Church at the peak of its power and in its deepest crisis. This era saw Innocent III humble kings, the Avignon exile shake papal prestige, and the Western Schism divide Christendom - yet also produced cathedrals, universities, and saints.

Reformation to the Enlightenment (1500 CE – 1800 CE)

Journey through three centuries of upheaval and renewal. From Luther's challenge in 1517 to the French Revolution, this timeline traces the Reformation, the Catholic response, and the Church's encounter with the Enlightenment.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

George Santayana

The Life of Reason, 1905

Explore the Full Picture

Timelines give us the skeleton of history - the dates and events. But history is also about people, ideas, and the movement of the Holy Spirit through time. Use these resources alongside our other sections for the fullest understanding.

Start with the Early Church Return to Learning Hub

Timelines of Church History (by Century)

Key Dates inChurch History

At a Glance

LatestArticles

Select a Period

The Early Church (30 CE – 300 CE)

The Spread of Christianity (300 CE – 600 CE)

Monasticism and the Crusades (600 CE – 1100 CE)

Power Politics of the Western Church (1100 CE – 1500 CE)

Reformation to the Enlightenment (1500 CE – 1800 CE)

Explore the Full Picture

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Timelines of Church History (by Century)

Key Dates inChurch History

At a Glance

LatestArticles

Select a Period

The Early Church (30 CE – 300 CE)

The Spread of Christianity (300 CE – 600 CE)

Monasticism and the Crusades (600 CE – 1100 CE)

Power Politics of the Western Church (1100 CE – 1500 CE)

Reformation to the Enlightenment (1500 CE – 1800 CE)

Explore the Full Picture