historical illustration

On This Day: Walk to Canossa: The excommunication of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, is lifted... (1077)

Source: Today in History (history.muffinlabs.com) - CC BY-SA 3.054 words

On January 28, 1077: Walk to Canossa: The excommunication of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, is lifted after he humbles himself before Pope Gregory VII at Canossa in Italy.

This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it when preaching about history.

Topics & Themes

history

Best Used In

introductionillustration

Powered by ChurchWiseAI

IllustrateTheWord is part of the ChurchWiseAI family — AI tools built for pastors, churches, and ministry leaders.

PewSearch

Find Your Church Home

The most complete church directory in the US and Canada. 240,000+ churches searchable by location, denomination, and tradition.

Search Churches Coming Spring 2026

Ministry AI Tools

Sermon Companion & More

AI-powered tools for sermon prep, teaching, scripture study, and devotionals — built for pastors and church leaders.

Join Waitlist

Is your church on PewSearch? Claim your free listing.

Claim Free

Related Illustrations

🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: World War II: Benghazi is conquered by the British Eighth Army. (1941)

On December 24, 1941: World War II: Benghazi is conquered by the British Eighth Army. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of histo

history
🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: World War II: Germany and Slovakia invade Poland, beginning the European phase... (1939)

On September 1, 1939: World War II: Germany and Slovakia invade Poland, beginning the European phase of World War II. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God w

history
🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: The week long battle of St. George's Caye begins between Spain and Britain off... (1798)

On September 3, 1798: The week long battle of St. George's Caye begins between Spain and Britain off the coast of Belize. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how G

history
🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: World War I: German troops capture Namur. (1914)

On August 24, 1914: World War I: German troops capture Namur. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it wh

history
🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: World War II: After several failed attempts, the British Army abandons Operation... (1944)

On June 14, 1944: World War II: After several failed attempts, the British Army abandons Operation Perch, its plan to capture the German-occupied town of Caen. This historical event can serve as a po

history
🏛️historical illustrationUniversal

On This Day: Russo-Japanese War: Battle of Hsimucheng: Units of the Imperial Japanese Army... (1904)

On July 31, 1904: Russo-Japanese War: Battle of Hsimucheng: Units of the Imperial Japanese Army defeat units of the Imperial Russian Army in a strategic confrontation. This historical event can serve

history
Back to all illustrations