What historical event formalized the Religious Limes?

The Great Schism of 1054 is recognized as the event that formally established the Religious Limes, which refers to the division between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Roman Catholic Churches. This significant split was primarily driven by theological, political, and cultural differences that had been developing for centuries. The tensions culminated in 1054 when mutual excommunications solidified the separation, essentially marking the boundaries of religious influence that would define Christianity in Europe.

This division had lasting implications for the development of European societies, as it influenced geopolitical structures, cultural exchanges, and religious practices. Following the schism, the Eastern Orthodox Church became dominant in the Byzantine Empire and areas influenced by it, while the Roman Catholic Church remained central in Western Europe. This stark division showcased the differing paths European Christianity would take, shaping the history and culture of each respective region for centuries to come.