Martin Luther was born on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben. A German priest, monk and theologian, Luther taught at the University of Wittenberg and became troubled by the Church's sale of indulgences. In 1517 he is traditionally said to have posted his Ninety-five Theses, which began a public controversy that grew into the Protestant Reformation. He was excommunicated and, at the Diet of Worms in 1521, refused to retract his writings. Protected by the Elector of Saxony, he translated the Bible into German, which helped to shape the written language, and wrote hymns and catechisms. The Lutheran churches take their name from him, and his ideas on faith and authority changed European religion and politics.
Before and after
- 1481Construction of Blue Mosque
- 3 May 1481Death of Mehmed II
- 14 February 1483Birth of Babur
- 6 April 1483Birth of Raphael
- 10 November 1483Birth of Martin Luther
- 1 January 1484Birth of Huldrych Zwingli
- c. 1485Painting of The Birth of Venus
- from 1485 to 1491Ottoman–Mamluk War
- 1485Birth of Hernán Cortés
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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 15th century.