Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German theologian, Augustinian monk, and Catholic priest. After initially studying law, he entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505, was ordained a priest in 1507, and went on to study theology. From 1508 he taught in Wittenberg and became professor of theology in 1512. His Ninety-Five Theses of 1517 criticized the sale of indulgences and abuses within the Church, making him a leading figure of the Protestant Reformation. During his stay at Wartburg Castle, he translated the New Testament into German; his complete Bible translation appeared in 1534 and had a lasting influence on the German language. Luther died in Eisleben in 1546.