When and where was Desiderius Erasmus born?
Desiderius Erasmus was born in Rotterdam on the 27th or the 28th of October, likely around 1466. His parents were Gerard and Margaretha Rogerius.
Questions about Erasmus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What caused the death of Desiderius Erasmus's parents?
The bubonic plague struck Gouda in 1483 and killed both his father Gerard and mother Margaretha while they cared for their children. Erasmus lost his brother Peter shortly after this event.
How did Desiderius Erasmus produce his books and letters?
Desiderius Erasmus wrote up to 40 letters per day before breakfast and used a method involving notes categorized by theme that traveled in boxes. He employed secretaries called amanuenses later in life and recorded dictation during his last decade instead of handwriting himself.
Why did Desiderius Erasmus refuse to join the Protestant Reformation?
Desiderius Erasmus maintained membership in the Catholic Church throughout his entire life and advocated reforming it from within rather than joining emerging Protestant movements. His doctrine of synergism emphasized cooperation between divine grace and human free will which Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected.
When and how did Desiderius Erasmus die?
Desiderius Erasmus died from an attack of dysentery on the 12th of July 1536 in Basel Minster. He received an ecumenical Catholic requiem Mass funeral ceremony despite being in a city that had adopted the Reformation.