# Donatist schism (311)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/311-donatist-schism
Location: Carthage, Africa
Themes: Politics

North African Christians split over bishops who had handed over scriptures during persecution, leading to a century-long schism. At this point in the timeline (c. 311), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Eusebius (18 April 309 – 17 August 310).

## Why it matters
Donatist schism mattered because it changed the boundaries of communion between Christian churches, divisions that still shape Christianity today.

Pope at the time: [Pope Miltiades (Melchiades)](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-miltiades-melchiades)

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