Origins & Early Life

Pope Martin V (Latin: Martinus V; Italian: Martino V; January/February 1369 – 20 February 1431), born Oddone Colonna, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 11 November 1417 to his death in February 1431. His election effectively ended the Western Schism of 1378–1417. As of 2026, he remains the last pope to have taken the pontifical name "Martin". Born between 26 January and 20 February 1369 at Genazzano, Oddone Colonna was the son of Agapito Colonna and Caterina Conti.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Oddone studied law at the University of Pavia; he became apostolic protonotary under Pope Urban VI (1378–1389), and was created Cardinal-Deacon of San Giorgio in Velabro by Pope Innocent VII in 1405. In 1409 he took part in the Council of Pisa, and was one of the supporters of Antipope Alexander V. Later he confirmed his allegiance to Alexander's successor, John XXIII, by whom his family obtained several privileges, while Oddone obtained for himself the vicariate of Todi, Orvieto, Perugia and Umbria; He was excommunicated for this in 1411 by Pope Gregory XII. Oddone was with John XXIII's entourage at the Council of Constance [Costanza] and followed him in his escape at...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• John Chandos — Contemporary (Died in 1369) (1369): A celebrated medieval English knight and military strategist of the Hundred Years' War.
• Andrea Mantegna — Contemporary (Born in 1431) (1431): Master of the Italian Renaissance, known for monumental perspective and sculptural figures.
• Borommatrailokkanat — Contemporary (Born in 1431) (1431): Great King of Ayutthaya known for massive reforms and military success against Lan Na.
• François Villon — Contemporary (Born in 1431) (1431): Master poet of the Late Middle Ages, known for his raw, autobiographical verse.
• Adalbert Gyrowetz — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1763): Czech-Austrian composer known for symphonies and string quartets.
• Ansel Adams — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1902): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Joan of Arc — Historical peer (Died in 1431) (1431): French heroine and saint who saved France during the Hundred Years' War.
• Pope Alexander VI — Historical peer (Born in 1431) (1431): Sovereign of the Papal States and Pope from 1492 to 1503
• Alexius, Metropolitan of Kiev — Historical peer (Died in 1378) (1378): Metropolitan of Kiev and all Rus', guiding Muscovite government through turbulent times.
• Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Died in 1378) (1378): Holy Roman Emperor, King of Bohemia, and patron of the arts during the mid-14th century.
• 1369 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1369
• 1431 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1431
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 20