# Saeculum obscurum (c. 904)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/904-saeculum-obscurum
Location: Rome
Themes: Papacy

The papacy falls under the control of Roman aristocratic families in a period of scandal. At this point in the timeline (c. 904), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Sergius III (29 January 904 – 14 April 911). His claim was contested by Antipope Christopher.

## Why it matters
Saeculum obscurum mattered because it shaped the authority, policy or public role of the papacy and the Catholic Church.

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

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