Martin Luther Dies at Eisleben

February 18, 1546

The reformer died in his birthplace at Eisleben, aged sixty-two, after preaching his last sermon. His body was carried back to Wittenberg and buried beneath the church door where, according to legend, he had posted the ninety-five theses. Protestant Europe wept and then quarrelled about his legacy. His final sermon contained a characteristic mix of pastoral warmth and anti-Jewish invective that has troubled his legacy for centuries.