8th Century

This timeline highlights key events in 8th-century Christian history, including theological disputes, political developments, the spread of Christianity, and cultural advancements in the Carolingian Renaissance.

8th Century Christian History

1. 711 AD: Muslim Conquest of Spain

   • Muslim forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad conquered Spain, leading to the establishment of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

2. c. 700-752 AD: Life of John of Damascus

   • John of Damascus, a theologian and defender of Christian iconography, contributes to theological discourse.

3. c. 701-767 AD: Iconoclasm Controversy

   • A theological dispute over using religious icons (iconoclasm) divides the Eastern Christian Church.

4. 717-718 AD: Siege of Constantinople

   • The Byzantine Empire successfully defended Constantinople against a siege by the Umayyad Caliphate.

5. 732 AD: Battle of Tours

   • Charles Martel led Christian forces to victory over the Umayyad Caliphate's army in France, halting the Muslim advance into Europe.

6. 751 AD: Donation of Pepin

   • King Pepin the Short donated the Papal States to the Papacy, strengthening the relationship between the Frankish monarchy and the Church.

7. 754 AD: Iconoclasm Resolved

   • The Council of Hieria endorses iconoclasm, while the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Second Council of Nicaea) in 787 AD affirms the veneration of icons.

8. c. 800 AD: Coronation of Charlemagne

   • Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, marking a significant alliance between the Church and the Carolingian Empire.

9. c. 800-850 AD: Life of Alcuin

   • Alcuin of York served as Charlemagne's chief advisor on educational and ecclesiastical matters.

10. c. 803-847 AD: Photius the Great

    • Photius the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople, played a crucial role in Eastern Christian history and theological disputes.

11. c. 800-877 AD: Life of Methodius

    • St. Methodius and St. Cyril developed the Glagolitic alphabet and evangelized the Slavic peoples.

12. c. 810-877 AD: Life of Cyril

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    • St. Cyril and St. Methodius undertake missionary work and linguistic contributions in Eastern Europe.

13. c. 820-875 AD: Viking Raids on Christian Europe

    • Viking raids pose a threat to Christian communities in northern Europe.

14. c. 828 AD: Legend of the discovery of the relics of St. James

    • The alleged discovery of the remains of St. James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, contributes to the growth of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

15. c. 800-900 AD: Carolingian Renaissance

    • A revival of art, education, and culture in the Frankish Empire under Charlemagne's rule.

• 731--The "Venerable Bede" (c. 673-735) completes his Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

• Spain is invaded by the Moors, Moslems from North Africa; Charles Martel defeats them at the Battle of Tours in 732--a decisive juncture in Christian resistance to Muslim advance.

• Boniface of England was a missionary to the Germans for 40 years. Finally, he is murdered by pagans in 754.

• Iconoclastic controversy over the veneration of images divides the Byzantine Emperor and the Pope.

• Papacy asserts its earthly rule and establishes the papal states in Italy. Pope Leo III (d. 816) separates from the Eastern Empire and becomes supreme bishop in the West.

• Charlemagne becomes sole King of the Franks in 771; later is crowned "Holy Roman Emperor," establishing dream of a kingdom with a Christian king.

• Nestorian Christians in China develop missionary activities and build Christian monasteries.

• Schools for church music are established at Paris, Cologne, Soissin, and Metz.

• 781--Alcuin of York, England becomes advisor to Charlemagne and catalyzes the "Carolingian Renaissance."

• 793--The North Men invade Lindisfarne and invade Iona in 795.

Photo: ©Getty Images/Viacheslav Tykhanskyi