In 1309, Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon, intending it to be temporary, but it lasted for almost seventy years.

Around 1376, John Wycliffe, based in Oxford, openly criticized the church and questioned the authority of the pope.

In 1377, the papal curia returned to Rome, but the situation became complicated with the election of two popes shortly after.

The Great Schism of the papacy began in 1379 when French cardinals elected Clement VII, leading to a split in the papacy.

Around 1400, followers of John Wycliffe, after his death, were known as Lollards or 'mutterers'.

In 1402, John Huss, known for his radical views on Christianity, was appointed to lead the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague.

The Council of Pisa in 1409 elected Alexander V as pope, adding to the existing two popes, creating a unique situation.

In 1414, the Council of Constance was convened to address the radical ideas of John Huss and the issue of multiple popes.

In 1415, John Huss, despite safe conduct to the Council of Constance, was arrested, tried, and executed as a heretic.

On November 9, 1483, Martin Luther, the key figure in the Protestant Reformation, was born to Martin Luther and Katharina. His teachings and actions would have a profound impact on the Christian faith.

Ulrich Zwingli, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation, is born on January 1, 1484.

In 1501, Martin Luther enrolls at the University of Erfurt and later receives a Master of Arts degree in philosophy in 1505.

On July 2, 1505, Martin Luther experiences a life-changing event during a thunderstorm, leading him to enter a monastery on July 17, marking a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey.

In 1513, Martin Luther had a profound personal and spiritual experience known as the 'tower experience,' which played a pivotal role in his theological journey.

In 1515, Martin Luther commenced delivering lectures on the Book of Romans, a significant event in the development of his theological ideas and the Protestant Reformation.

In 1516, Martin Luther initiated his first lecture series on the Epistle to the Galatians, further shaping his theological perspectives and challenging established beliefs.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, marking a significant event in the Reformation.

The Heidelberg Disputation took place in April 1518, where theological topics were debated, including Martin Luther's views on grace and faith.

In October 1518, Martin Luther appeared before Cardinal Cajetan in Augsburg, a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Protestant Reformation.

In December 1518, Frederick the Wise refused to surrender Martin Luther to the authorities, demonstrating his support for the reformer.

In July 1519, the Leipzig Debate took place between Martin Luther and Johann Eck, discussing theological and ecclesiastical issues.

On March 3, 1520, Matthias Flacius, a notable Lutheran theologian and reformer, was born, influencing the development of Protestant thought.

Pope Leo X issues the papal bull Exsurge Domine on June 15, 1520, giving Martin Luther sixty days to recant his beliefs or face excommunication.

In October 1520, a government edict in the Netherlands condemned Lutheranism, leading to the burning of Lutheran books in Leuven.

On December 10, 1520, Martin Luther defiantly burns the papal bull Exsurge Domine and a copy of Canon Law, symbolizing his rejection of papal authority.

At the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther refuses to recant his beliefs and is declared a heretic by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, leading to his excommunication from the Catholic Church.

On January 3, 1521, Martin Luther is formally excommunicated by the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, further deepening the rift between him and the Catholic Church.

Martin Luther courageously presents his views before the Diet of Worms on April 17–18, 1521, and steadfastly refuses to recant his beliefs, shaping the course of the Reformation.

Charles V issues the Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther a public outlaw and criminal, and banning his books.

Pope Leo X confers the title 'Defender of the Faith' upon King Henry VIII of England for his defense of Catholicism against Martin Luther's teachings.

In 1522, Charles V and the Pope initiated a state-run 'Apostolic' inquisition to complement the existing Episcopal institution.

Martin Luther returns from Wartburg on March 6.

Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament is published on September 21.

Martin Chemnitz, a key figure in the Lutheran Reformation, is born in Treuenbrietzen on November 9.

Heinrich Voes and John Esch, the first Lutheran martyrs, were executed by burning at the stake in Antwerp on July 1.

On December 28, 1524, John Staupitz, an early mentor and supporter of Martin Luther, passed away.

Frederick the Wise, a key figure in the early years of the Protestant Reformation, passes away on May 5.

On June 13, Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, a former nun, in a significant event in the life of the prominent reformer.

Luther's German Mass is first utilized on December 25, marking an important development in the Protestant Reformation.

William Tyndale completes the first printed English translation of the New Testament, furthering the availability of the Bible in vernacular languages and promoting religious reform.

In 1527, the first Protestant university, Marburg, was established, contributing to the educational and intellectual aspects of the Reformation.

In 1528, discussion of Henry VIII's proposed divorce hinged on rival verses from the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.

Magdalena Luther was born on May 4, 1529.

In April-May 1530, the Augsburg Confession and its defense, known as the Apology, were published. These documents outlined the key doctrines of the Lutheran faith and were presented at the Diet of Augsburg.

The Confessio Augustana or Augsburg Confession, which details Lutheran theology and practice, is published.

In September 1530, the second edition of the Apology, also known as the Octavo edition, was published. This revised version further defended the Lutheran beliefs and responded to criticisms.

On October 11, 1531, Ulrich Zwingli, a prominent figure in the Swiss Reformation, died on the battlefield at Kappel am Albis. His death marked a significant loss for the Reformed movement.

In August 1532, John the Steadfast, a key supporter of the Protestant Reformation, passed away. His son, John Frederick the Magnanimous, succeeded him as Elector, continuing the Protestant cause.

On January 28, 1533, Paul Luther, the son of Martin Luther, was born. Paul Luther's life was influenced by his father's role in the Reformation and he became a notable figure in his own right.

On December 17, 1534, Margarethe Luther, the daughter of Martin Luther, was born.

In 1535, Martin Luther commenced his final major lecture series, focusing on the book of Genesis, which was a significant contribution to Protestant theological thought.

William Tyndale is martyred in Belgium on October 6.

John Frederick commissions Luther to prepare articles for the meeting of the Smalcaldic League on December 1.

Melanchthon writes the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope for the Smalcaldic League.

In 1538, Henry VIII of England was excommunicated by the Pope due to his actions related to marriage annulments, execution of wives, and declaring his supremacy over the church, leading to the establishment of the Church of England.

The Great Bible, commissioned by Henry VIII for Anglican churches, was published for widespread use.

In 1540, the Catholic Counter-Reformation began in earnest. This period was characterized by efforts from the Catholic Church to respond to the Protestant Reformation and address internal issues.

In 1541, the Council of Regensburg made efforts to achieve unity between the Roman Catholic Church and Lutherans on the issue of justification. However, the proposed compromise was rejected by some, including John Frederick.

Elizabeth Luther passed away on August 3.

On September 20, 1542, Magdalena Luther passed away.

John Eck, a prominent figure, died on February 13, 1543.

The first church built to be Lutheran, Torgau Castle Chapel, was dedicated by Martin Luther on October 5, 1544.

The Council of Trent held its first sessions from 1545 to 1547, marking a significant event in the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation.

On February 14, 1546, Martin Luther delivered his final sermon before his passing, leaving a lasting impact on the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther passed away on February 18, 1546, marking the end of an era for the Protestant movement and leaving a legacy that would shape religious history.

On February 22, 1546, Martin Luther was laid to rest at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, a symbolic location for the Protestant Reformation.

On April 24, 1547, the Smalcaldic League suffered a significant defeat against Charles V at the Battle of Mühlberg, impacting the course of the Protestant Reformation.

The Peace of Augsburg in 1555 allowed the legal co-existence of Protestants and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire, easing tensions arising from the Reformation.

In 1558, the first volume of Martin Luther's collected works was published. This marked a significant milestone in the dissemination of Luther's ideas and writings.

A treaty granting toleration to Lutherans within the Holy Roman Empire based on the principle of cuius regio, eius religio.

The Naumburg Conference was held in an attempt to bring together Lutherans, but it failed when the second edition of the Augsburg Confession and Apology was rejected.

The 39 Articles of the Church of England are first published, providing a summary of Anglican doctrine and practice.

On March 2, 1564, Martin Luther, the son of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, died, marking the end of a significant era in Protestant Reformation history.

John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation and the development of Calvinism, passed away on May 27, 1564, leaving a lasting impact on religious thought.

Nicholas Amsdorf, a prominent figure, passes away in Eisenach on May 14.

Philip of Hesse, a significant historical figure, dies in Kassel on March 31.

John Brenz, a key figure in the Reformation movement, passes away in Stuttgart on September 11.

In 1571, the Thirty-Nine Articles are introduced, solidifying a Calvinist influence on the Reformation in England.

In 1577, the Formula of Concord's 'Solid Declaration' was finalized at Bergen Abbey in Magdeburg.

On June 25, 1580, the Book of Concord was published to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession.

In December 1582 to January 1583, a conference held at Quedlinburg approved the authoritative Latin edition of the Book of Concord.

In 1584, the Latin version of the Book of Concord was published in Leipzig.

On April 8, 1586, Martin Chemnitz passed away in Braunschweig, leaving behind a significant legacy in Lutheran theology.

The Edict of Nantes issued in 1598 granted religious freedom to the Huguenots in France, ending the French Wars of Religion and promoting tolerance in the country.

A blog post by Trevin Wax discussing the top ten significant moments in the history of the Reformation.