Childhood, youth and education

Martin Luther was born in Eisleben on 10 November 1483 as the son of a copper miner. A short while later, his family moved to nearby Mansfeld, where Luther spent his childhood. The success of his father's business endeavours made it possible for him to receive a good education, after attending Latin schools in Mansfeld, Magdeburg and Eisenach, he enrolled at the University of Erfurt in 1501. Luther's father expected his eldest son to become a successful lawyer. Instead, one of the most recounted episodes of his life steered him in another direction. While on a journey, the young student got caught up in a thunderstorm near Stotternheim. In fear of his life, he vowed to Saint Anna that he would become a monk if he survived the experience unscathed. Just two weeks later, on 17 July 1505, he joined a closed Augustinian monastery in Erfurt.