# Aquinas begins the Summa Theologiae (1265)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1265-aquinas-begins-the-summa-theologiae
Location: Rome
Themes: Theology

Thomas Aquinas begins his Summa, a synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy and Christian theology. At this point in the timeline (1265), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Clement IV (5 February 1265 – 29 November 1268).

## Why it matters
Aquinas begins the Summa Theologiae mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Clement IV](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-clement-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Summa Theologica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summa_Theologica)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Aquinas begins the Summa Theologiae](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Aquinas+begins+the+Summa+Theologiae)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)