# Foundation of Cîteaux (1098)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1098-foundation-of-citeaux
Location: Cîteaux, Burgundy
Themes: Monasticism

Robert of Molesme founds Cîteaux, the mother house of the Cistercians. At this point in the timeline (1098), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Urban II (12 March 1088 – 29 July 1099). His claim was contested by Antipope Clement III.

## Why it matters
Foundation of Cîteaux mattered because it shaped the religious life of monks, nuns and orders who carried learning, prayer and charity through the centuries.

Pope at the time: [Pope Urban II](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-urban-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Cîteaux Abbey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%AEteaux_Abbey)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Foundation of Cîteaux](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Foundation+of+C%C3%AEteaux)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)