Origins & Early Life

Pope Gregory II (Latin: Gregorius II; 669 – 11 February 731) was the bishop of Rome from 19 May 715 to his death on 11 February 731. His defiance of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian as a result of the iconoclastic controversy in the Eastern Empire prepared the way for a long series of revolts, schisms, and civil wars that eventually led to the establishment of the temporal power of the popes. Born into a noble Roman family in the year 669, Gregory II was the son of Marcellus and wife Honesta. He was an alleged collateral ancestor to the Roman Savelli family, according to a 15th-century chronicler, but this is unattested in contemporary documents and very likely unreliable.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The same was said of the seventh-century Pope Benedict II, but nothing certain is known about a kinship between the two of them. As a young man, he was placed in the papal court, and was made a subdeacon and sacellarius of the Roman See during the pontificate of Sergius I (687–701). Later he was made a deacon and placed in charge of the library of the Roman Church. During Constantine's pontificate, Gregory was made a papal secretary, and accompanied the pope to Constantinople in 711 to deal with the issues...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Fujiwara no Kamatari — Contemporary (Died in 669) (669): Founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan, a key statesman in 7th-century Japan.
• Hasan ibn Ali — Contemporary (Died in 669) (669): A pivotal Alid leader, grandson of Muhammad, and second Shia Imam.
• Abd al-Rahman I — Contemporary (Born in 731) (731): Founder of the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba, establishing a lasting dynasty in al-Andalus.
• Brandy Norwood — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1979): Iconic R&B vocalist, songwriter, and actress known for her vocal prowess.
• Burt Reynolds — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1936): Iconic American actor known for his rugged charisma and 'Smokey' persona.
• Charles Algernon Parsons — Shared historical date (02-11 · Died) (1931): Pioneering inventor of the modern steam turbine, revolutionizing marine and electrical power.
• Frank Herbert — Shared historical date (02-11 · Died) (1986): Pioneering science-fiction author, celebrated for the epic saga of Dune.
• Hans-Georg Gadamer — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1900): Pioneering philosopher of hermeneutics, emphasizing language and history in understanding.
• Heraclius — Shared historical date (02-11 · Died) (641): Byzantine Emperor who successfully defended the Empire against the Persians and early Arab forces.
• Honoré d'Urfé — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1568): French novelist, best known for the pastoral romance *L'Astrée*.
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