Key events in regard to Papacy

1054

Great Schism

1073

Gregory VII becomes Pope and begins trying to strengthen Papal Authority and beginning of clash known as Investiture Controversy - Gregory also receives a request for aid from the Byzantine Emperor Michael,

1074

Gregory attempts to raise a military force to travel East to help the Byzantines - forced raised by expedition foundered and did not set out

1075

Gregory bans Henry IV from interfering with Church business

1076

Gregory excommunicates Henry IV and declares him anathema - Gregory has increasingly close relationship with Normans of Sicily under Robert Guiscard

1077

Henry begs Gregory VII in the snow for forgiveness and excommunication lifted

1080

Gregory VII excommunicated Henry IV again

1081-84

Henry IV attacks Rome on three occasions, the last of which forces the Pope to be rescued by his ally the Norman Robert Giscard - Henry IV installs anti-Pope Clement III

1085

Gregory dies in exile and Victor III becomes Pope though could not be consecrated until 1087 - unable to return to Rome for any length of time

1088

Urban II becomes Pope - sends delegation to Constantinople to improve relations with Eastern Church and excommunication eventually lifted

1094

Urban able to recover Lateran Place in Rome but only by bribery and hold over city precarious,

1095

Urban convenes a major Church Council at Piacenza in lands traditionally loyal to Henry IV - envoys arrive from Constantinople asking for assistance against Seljuk threat - later that year Calling of First Crusade