Johannes Gutenberg

Through his invention of printing, Johannes Gutenberg transformed the production of the Bible, drastically reducing the time needed to reproduce it. Despite his ingenuity, he was in financial difficulty and lost a lawsuit against the banker Johann Fust. His innovations nevertheless revolutionized publishing and had a lasting impact.

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Martin Luther translated the Bible into German in the sixteenth century to make Scripture accessible to everyone, affirming the principle of “sola scriptura”. This translation made it possible to criticise Catholic practices lacking a biblical foundation, such as indulgences. It also played a major role in standardising the German language and spreading the ideas of the Protestant Reformation, particularly through printing.

Level: Easy Audience: Beginners