Historical Timeline

Timeline of Holy See

14 dated events spanning the recorded history of Holy See.

Chronology

14 events spanning the history of Holy See. BCE/CE dating.

326
First church built on the site of Vatican City, traditional place of Saint Peter’s tomb.
First church built on the site of Vatican City, traditional place of Saint Peter’s tomb.
1054
The Roman and Orthodox Churches split decisively.
The Roman and Orthodox Churches split decisively. The Orthodox Church did not accept the papal authority from Rome. Christians in southern Albania were left under the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople and those in the north under the pope in Rome.
1083
Henry IV of Germany stormed Rome capturing St. Peter’s Basilica.
Henry IV of Germany stormed Rome capturing St. Peter’s Basilica.
1095
Pope Urban urged the faithful to wrest the Holy Land from the Muslims, heralding start of Crusades.
Pope Urban urged the faithful to wrest the Holy Land from the Muslims, heralding start of Crusades.
1119
The Knights Templar were founded to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land during the second Crusade.
The Knights Templar were founded to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land during the second Crusade.
1148
The Second Crusade.
The Second Crusade.
1477 – 1480
Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1492) started building a great chapel, named "Sistina" .
Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1492) started building a great chapel, named "Sistina" after him, decorated with frescoes painted by the major Italian painters of the time.
1508
Pope Julius II transferred Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Pope Julius II transferred Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
1511
Raphael completed the frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican for Pope Julius II.
Raphael completed the frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican for Pope Julius II.
1512
Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were completed.
Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were completed and first exhibited to the public.

1626
The new St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is consecrated.
The new St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is consecrated, the anniversary of that of the previous church in 326.
1929
Italy and the Vatican sign the Lateran Treaty.
Italy and the Vatican sign the Lateran Treaty.
1942
Japan established relations with the Vatican.
Japan established relations with the Vatican, the 1st non-Christian state to do so. The first ambassador’s name was Ken Harada.
1943
German troops occupied Rome and took over the protection of Vatican City.
German troops occupied Rome and took over the protection of Vatican City.

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Timeline of Holy See

Chronology

First church built on the site of Vatican City, traditional place of Saint Peter’s tomb.

The Roman and Orthodox Churches split decisively.

Henry IV of Germany stormed Rome capturing St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Urban urged the faithful to wrest the Holy Land from the Muslims, heralding start of Crusades.

The Knights Templar were founded to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land during the second Crusade.

The Second Crusade.

Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1492) started building a great chapel, named "Sistina" .

Pope Julius II transferred Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.

Raphael completed the frescoes in the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican for Pope Julius II.

Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were completed.