# Luther's Ninety-five Theses (1517)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1517-luther-s-ninety-five-theses
Location: Wittenberg, Saxony
Themes: Reformation

Martin Luther challenges the sale of indulgences, sparking the Protestant Reformation. At this point in the timeline (31 October 1517), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Leo X (9 March 1513 – 1 December 1521).

## Why it matters
The theses began the Reformation, which permanently divided Western Christianity.

Pope at the time: [Pope Leo X](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-leo-x)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Ninety-five Theses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Luther's Ninety-five Theses](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Luther%27s+Ninety-five+Theses)
- [Wikipedia — Reformation (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation)