7th Century

This timeline highlights key events in 7th-century Christian history, including the impact of Islam on Christian communities, significant Christian figures, theological councils, and the spread of Christianity in various regions.

7th Century Christian History

1. c. 625-679 AD: Life of Bede

   • Bede the Venerable, an English monk and historian, writes influential works on early Christian history.

2. c. 630-637 AD: Muslim Conquest of the Levant

   • Islamic forces conquered significant parts of the Eastern Roman Empire, including Jerusalem, impacting Christian communities.

3. 638 AD: Jerusalem Under Muslim Rule

   • Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab granted favorable terms to the Christian population of Jerusalem upon its conquest.

4. c. 650-750 AD: Expansion of Christianity in Ethiopia

   • Christianity spread in Ethiopia, with King Ezana of Axum converting to Christianity.

5. 654 AD: Synod of Whitby

   • The Synod of Whitby in England resolves disputes between Celtic and Roman Christian practices, leading to the adoption of Roman customs.

6. c. 660-735 AD: Life of Bede the Venerable

   • Bede's works, including "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," contribute to the understanding of early Christian history.

7. c. 660-750 AD: Life of John of Damascus

   • John of Damascus, a theologian and philosopher, played a significant role in early Christian-Muslim theological interactions.

8. c. 670-735 AD: Life of Willibrord

   • St. Willibrord, an English missionary, helped spread Christianity in Frisia (modern-day Netherlands).

9. 680-681 AD: Third Council of Constantinople

   • The Third Council of Constantinople addresses monoenergism and monothelitism, reaffirming orthodox Christological doctrine.

10. c. 682-749 AD: Life of Boniface

    • St. Boniface, the "Apostle of the Germans," engages in missionary work in central Europe.

11. c. 690-754 AD: Life of Alcuin of York

    • Alcuin of York, an English scholar, became a key figure in Carolingian education and the Carolingian Renaissance.

12. c. 693-707 AD: Northumbrian Crosses

    • The creation of intricately decorated Christian stone crosses in Northumbria showcases Christian art in the British Isles.

13. c. 698-721 AD: Codex Amiatinus

    • The Codex Amiatinus, a complete Latin Vulgate Bible, is produced in England, demonstrating Christian scholarship and biblical studies.

• 600-636--Isidore, Bishop of Seville. His writings provide invaluable and encyclopedic knowledge of the Middle Ages. He is known for his important efforts to resist barbarism and heresy in Spain, founded schools and convents and evangelized Jews.

• 609--Pagan pantheon in Rome consecrated as the church of St. Maria Rotunda. As part of the dedication, Pope Boniface (609-610) confirmed All Saints' Day.

• Organs begin to be used in churches. Church bells are used to call people to worship and to give the hours to the monks in the monasteries.

• Learning flourishes in Anglo-Saxon monasteries

• 648--Emperor Constans II issues "The Typos" limiting Christian teachings to that defined in first five ecumenical councils. Pope Martin I (d. 655) refuses to sign Typos. Martin is seized and banished to Crimea and dies. He is last pope to be venerated as a martyr.

• 664--After conflict between the original Celtic church and the Roman missionaries, England adopts the Roman Catholic faith at the Synod of Whitby.

• Mohammed (c. 570-629) begins the religion of Islam, which begins to supplant Christianity across the Middle East and North Africa.

• 638--Islamic capture of Jerusalem

• 690--Two Anglo-Saxon bishops, Kilian and Willibrord, carry on extensive evangelistic mission on the continent among the Franks.

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