Revolution of Love.com
Seventh Century:
The Rise of the Papacy and the Beginning of Islam
Three historical high points define this century.
Monasticism Spreads
The monastic way of life, started by St. Benedict in the sixth century rapidly grew in the seventh. Monasteries started to pop up in Italy, France, Spain and Africa. The monks through their life of "work and prayer" were able to offer the known world the stability and safety it needed.
Pope Gregory the Great
The pontificate of St. Pope Gregory the Great (590-604 AD), like that of Leo the Great, contributed greatly to the development and glory of the papacy. Gregory began a promising career in the Roman civil government, but left it all to embrace the monastic life. Because of his administrative experience Gregory became a "papal envoy" and in 590 was elected Pope. As Pope, Gregory rebuilt the city of Rome, called the Church to evangelize the barbarians, reformed the liturgy and wrote a number of theological works.
The Beginning of Islam
The monotheistic religion "Islam" was started by a man named Mohammed who was born in Mecca (570's to 611 AD). Mohammed claimed to be a prophet and put together a holy book called the Koran. Islam spread rapidly, taking over regions that once belonged to Jews and Christians. In 632 Jerusalem fell to the Muslims, as did Alexandria in 642, Carthage in 670 and Spain in 711. In one century Islam had taken over almost three-fourths of the known Christian world.