Pope Sylvester II (946

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Timeline

The story of Pope Sylvester II, told in moments.

946 Birth

Born Gerbert d'Aurillac in Auvergne, France. A peasant's son. Monks at the local abbey noticed his intelligence and gave him an education.

What did the monks in Aurillac see in a peasant's son? Was that education a gift or an escape? Did you ever look back at your origins with wonder?

967 Life

Traveled to Catalonia and studied mathematics, astronomy, and Arabic numerals. He was among the first Europeans to use the Hindu-Arabic number system, including zero.

What was it like discovering Arabic numerals and zero? Did your fellow Europeans think you were mad or magical? How did Catalonia open your mind?

999 Event

Elected Pope. He took the name Sylvester II. His scientific interests were so unusual for a pope that later legends claimed he'd made a deal with the devil.

Did being pope limit or expand your scientific work? How did you handle the devil rumors? Was the papacy a calling or a political achievement?

Artifacts (2)

[The] declaration issued by the Islamic State is void under sharia and has dange...

ps, and Sunni Muslim theologians and historians. Qatar-based TV broadcaster and theologian Yusuf al-Qaradawi stated: "[The] declaration issued by the Islamic State is void under sharia and has...

Works Talk

Empire of Fear: Inside the Islamic State. Oneworld Publications

2015

Works Talk

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