Anselm

Timeline

1. 1033–1056Aosta · Aosta ValleyAnselm was born to a noble family in Aosta in northern Italy, well educated from childhood and intent on a monastic life. After his mother's death his relationship with his father grew tense, so he left home, travelling through Burgundy to Normandy to seek the master Lanfranc.
2. 1059–1093Abbey of Bec · NormandyIn 1059 Anselm entered the abbey of Bec in Normandy, studying theology and dialectic under Lanfranc. He became prior in 1063 and abbot in 1078. During this period he wrote Monologion and Proslogion, proposing the ontological proof of God's existence, and authored works such as De Veritate and De Libertate Arbitrii, establishing his pioneering role in scholastic philosophy.
3. 1093–1109Canterbury · KentIn 1093 Anselm was raised by King William II to Archbishop of Canterbury. During his tenure he was twice forced into exile over investiture disputes, continually struggling with royal power. He wrote Cur Deus Homo during this time, systematically expounding the theory of Christ's redemption. He died at Canterbury on 21 April 1109 and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Alexander VI in 1494.