Johann Tetzel (l.c. 1465-1519) was a Dominican Friar who became famous as one of the most effective indulgence salesmen and who inadvertently inspired the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther (l. 1483-1546) wrote his 95 Theses protesting the sale of indulgences generally and Tetzel’s methods specifically, thereby challenging the authority of the Catholic Church.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1465 - 1519Life of Johann Tetzel, Dominican Monk and Indulgence Salesman.
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1487Johann Tetzel is awarded his BA in Theology.
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1503Johann Tetzel is first mentioned as an indulgence salesman.
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1508Johann Tetzel is first mentioned negatively as an indulgence salesman at St. Annaberg.
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1516Johann Tetzel is sent to Saxony to sell indulgences.
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1517 - 1518Johann Tetzel is engaged in theological arguments with Martin Luther.
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1518Johann Tetzel loses to Martin Luther in theological arguments; health fails.
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1519Johann Tetzel retires to Dominican monastery where he dies.
