Pope
Appointed Pope, accepted by England & France but not by Germany
Role range: 1159-1181
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Alexander III Biography and Timeline
Follow Alexander III through 18 dated historical records for Italy.
Alexander III, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
18Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1159–1181Years on this page
1159
1162
Exile of Alexander III
Forced into exile to Sens in France by Frederick I
Role range: 1159-1181
1164
Papal Bull
Issues a Plenary Indulgence forgiving the sins of all those who fight the Muslims
Role range: 1159-1181
Papal Bull
Issues a Plenary Indulgence forgiving the sins of all those who fight the Muslims
Role range: 1159-1181
1166
Pope
Pope Alexander III appoints Thomas Beckett Papal legate against the will of Henry II
Role range: 1159-1181
1170
Exile of Alexander III
Forces Henry II to end his quarrel with Thomas a Beckett
Role range: 1159-1181
1172
Canonization
Canonizes Thomas Becket
Role range: 1159-1181
1174
Absolution
Absolves Henry II of any complicity in the murder of Thomas Becket
Role range: 1159-1181
1176
Battle of Legnano
Frederick I is defeated by the Lombard League & forced to recognize Alexander as Pope
Role range: 1159-1181
1177
Absolution
Emperor Frederick falls on his knees before Pope Alexander III & obtains absolution
Role range: 1152-1190
1179
Lateran Council, 3rd
If any candidate should declare himself pope without receiving the required majority, he and his supporters were to be excommunicated
Role range: 1159-1181
Lateran Council, 3rd
In order to prevent the possibility of future schisms, only cardinals were to possess the right to elect a pope. In addition a two-thirds majority was to be required in order for the election to be valid.
Role range: 1159-1181
Lateran Council, 3rd
Removes the remains of the recent schism, the Council condemned the Cathar heresies and pushed for the restoration of ecclesiastical discipline. It also became the first general Council of the Church to legislate against sodomy.
Role range: 1159-1181
Lateran Council, 3rd
Decides Popes must be elected by 2/3 of the College of Cardinals
Role range: 1159-1181
Lateran Council, 3rd
It is decided that the Pope will be elected by a 2/3 majority of the Cardinals
Role range: 1159-1181
Reform of Papal Elections
The Lateran Council decides Popes must be elected by 2/3 of the College of Cardinals
Role range: 1159-1181
Rebellion of Rebels in Vatican
Prohibits Walensians preaching without permission from the bishops, Waldo refuses
Role range: 1159-1181
1181
Death of Alexander III
Death of Alexander III
Role range: 1159-1181
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.