These events represent some of the major developments in 12th-century Christian history, including the Crusades, conflicts within the Church, and the emergence of influential religious figures and movements.
12 Century Christian History
1096-1099: The First Crusade
- The First Crusade was launched in response to Pope Urban II's call at the Council of Clermont in 1095.
- In 1099, Crusaders captured Jerusalem, establishing Christian control over the city.
1122: Concordat of Worms
- The Concordat of Worms resolved the Investiture Controversy, a long-standing conflict between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor over the appointment of bishops and church officials.
1139: Second Lateran Council
- Pope Innocent II convened the Second Lateran Council to address issues within the Church, including the regulation of clerical celibacy and the prohibition of simony.
1147-1149: The Second Crusade
- The Second Crusade was called by Pope Eugenius III and led by European monarchs, including Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany. However, it ended in failure.
1170: Thomas Becket's Murder
- Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, sparking outrage in Europe. He later became a martyr and saint.
1173-1174: The Revolt of Henry the Young King
- Henry II of England faced a rebellion led by his sons, including the young Henry, Richard the Lionheart, and Geoffrey. The conflict had political and religious dimensions.
1187: Battle of Hattin
- Saladin, the Muslim commander, defeated Christian forces at the Battle of Hattin, leading to the recapture of Jerusalem from the Crusaders.
1189-1192: The Third Crusade
- The Third Crusade, led by European monarchs like Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France, aimed to recapture Jerusalem but only managed to secure some coastal cities.
1198-1216: Pope Innocent III's Papacy
- Pope Innocent III was a powerful and influential pope who asserted papal authority over secular rulers and called for the Fourth Crusade.
1204: Sack of Constantinople
- During the Fourth Crusade, Crusaders sacked Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, causing a permanent rift between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Churches.
1215: Fourth Lateran Council
- The Fourth Lateran Council, convened by Pope Innocent III, addressed various doctrinal and disciplinary issues within the Church and established transubstantiation as the doctrine for the Eucharist.
1227: Death of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, died in 1226 and was later canonized as a saint.
Gothic architecture, with its pointed arches and high, vaulted ceilings, prevails in church buildings.
• 1182--Notre Dame Cathedral consecrated
• 1194--Chartres Cathedral begun
• The medieval papacy, at the height of its power and influence, continues to encourage crusades to liberate the Holy Land from the Moslems.
• 1104--Acre taken by the Crusaders, fell to Moslems again in 1191
• 1147--Second Crusade (supported by Bernard of Clairvaux) fails, with most Crusaders dying in Asia Minor.
• 1187--Loss of Jerusalem by the Crusaders
• 1190--German Hospitalers founded (later becoming the Teutonic Order)
• Belief in immaculate conception of Mary spreads.
• 1170--Pope Alexander III established rules for the canonization of saints, the same year Thomas Becket is murdered in England. Becket is canonized in 1173.
• 1173--Waldensian movement begins in Lyons, seeking truth in Bible rather than medieval tradition. The church persecutes these devout believers sometimes seen as predecessors of Protestant reform.
• Monasticism continues to be main source of reforming church.
• 1115--St. Bernard establishes monastery at Clairvaux. He will become the "greatest churchman of the 12th century."
• 1155--Carmelite Order founded
Photo: © Unsplash/Xuan Nguyen
