History time line

By Valentina Cancino
  • 476

    Fall of the Wester Roman Empyre

    The Western Roman Empire collapses when the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, is overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer. This marks the end of ancient Rome and the start of the Middle Ages.
  • 493

    Theodoric the Great establishes the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy

    After defeating Odoacer, Theodoric the Great creates a new kingdom in Italy, blending Roman traditions with Germanic rule.
  • 527

    Justinian I ascends as Byzantine Emperor

    Justinian I rises to power in the Byzantine Empire. He reforms laws (Justinian Code) and orders the construction of the Hagia Sophia.
  • 711

    The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula begins

    Muslim armies from North Africa invade Spain, defeating the Visigoths and establishing Islamic rule over most of the peninsula.
  • 732

    Battle of Tours

    Charles Martel, a Frankish leader, stops the advance of Muslim forces into France, keeping Western Europe mostly Christian.
  • 800

    Coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor by Pope Leo III

    Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne, making him ruler of much of Western Europe. This strengthens the connection between the church and state.
  • 843

    Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolinian Empire among Charlemagne’s grandsons

    Charlemagne’s empire is split among his three grandsons, leading to the creation of modern France, Germany, and Italy.
  • 962

    Otto I is crowned Holy Roman Emperor

    Otto I revives the idea of a Western Empire under the Pope’s blessing, creating what becomes the Holy Roman Empire.
  • 1054

    The Great Schism formally splits Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches

    The Christian Church splits into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East due to differences in beliefs and leadership.
  • 1066

    Normal Conquest of England

    William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeats King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings and becomes King of England.
  • 1095

    Pope Urban II calls for the Firt Crusade at the Council of Clermont

    At the Council of Clermont, the Pope urges Christians to take back the Holy Land from Muslim control, leading to the Crusades.
  • 1099

    Crusaders captured Jerusalem during the First Crusade

    The First Crusade succeeds in taking Jerusalem, but the victory is violent, with many killed in the city.
  • 1122

    Concordant of Worms resolves the Investiture controversy between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor

    This agreement settles a power struggle between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor over who appoints bishops.