# Murder of Thomas Becket (1170)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1170-murder-of-thomas-becket
Location: Canterbury, England
Themes: Saint

Archbishop Thomas Becket is killed in Canterbury Cathedral after a conflict with Henry II. At this point in the timeline (29 December 1170), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Alexander III (7 September 1159 – 30 August 1181). His claim was contested by Antipope Callixtus III.

## Why it matters
Murder of Thomas Becket mattered because the life and witness of the people involved became a lasting example venerated by Christians.

Pope at the time: [Pope Alexander III](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-alexander-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Thomas Becket](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Becket)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Murder of Thomas Becket](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Murder+of+Thomas+Becket)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)