# Rise of Montanism (c. 160)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/160-rise-of-montanism
Location: Phrygia, Asia Minor
Themes: Theology

The prophet Montanus and the prophetesses Priscilla and Maximilla launch a charismatic movement in Phrygia that the church later rejects. At this point in the timeline (c. 160), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Anicetus (c. 155 – 166/7). Dates for the earliest bishops of Rome are traditional and uncertain.

## Why it matters
Rise of Montanism mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Anicetus](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-anicetus)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Montanism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montanism)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Rise of Montanism](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Rise+of+Montanism)
- [Wikipedia — Early Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_period)