RENAISSANCE TIMELINE - Key Persons

Martin Luther was born November 10th 1483, in Eisleben Saxony. He was a German priest who sparked the Reformation. Martin Luther studied philosophy and law before entering an Augustinian monastery in 1505. Two years later he decided to continue his theological studies at the University of Wittenburg. There he became a professor of biblical studies. On a trip to Rome in 1510, Luther was shocked by the corruption of the clergy. Luther believed that you get to heaven by your own personal relationship with God, rather than buying indulgences from the church. He protested the selling of indulgences, and urged the reformation of the church. In 1517, his distributed the famous 95 Theses to the archbishop of Mainz, and a couple of friend. The legend says he also posted it on the door of the castle church in Wittenburg. The urged for a reform, and questioned the churches teachings. In 1521, Pope Leo IX expelled him from the church. He took refuge in Wartburg. He there translated the bible into German, which is considered one of the historical landmarks in that language. In 1525 he returned to Wittenburg, and married ex-nun Katherina von Bora, and with her, he raised six children. He later died February 18th, 1546, in Eisleben.