Gregory I was born in 540 CE in Rome. A Roman aristocrat who gave up a political career to become a monk, Gregory I served as papal envoy in Constantinople before being elected bishop of Rome. As pope, known as Gregory the Great, he organized the Church's lands and charities to feed the poor of Rome in a time of famine and invasion, and negotiated with the Lombards. He sent Augustine and a group of monks to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England. His writings, including the Pastoral Rule and the Dialogues, were widely read through the Middle Ages, and Gregorian chant is traditionally linked to his name. He is one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church.
Before and after
- from 535 CE to 554 CEGothic War of 535–554
- 536 CEThe volcanic winter of 536
- 537 CEConstruction of Hagia Sophia
- from 538 CE to 710 CEAsuka period
- 540 CEBirth of Gregory I
- from 541 CE to 750 CEPlague of Justinian
- from November 542 CE to March 543 CESiege of Naples
- 6th centuryConstruction of Basilica of San Vitale
- from 552 CE to 657 CEGöktürks
More in Wars, politics & history
- from 1095 to 1291Crusades
- 1212Children's Crusade
- from 1213 to 1221Fifth Crusade
- from 1248 to 1254Seventh Crusade
- from 18 July 1270 to 30 October 1270Eighth Crusade
- 30 March 1282Sicilian Vespers
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 6th century.