Final answer:
The cult of the saints developed from the second century AD up to the Reformation, with relics becoming a focal point of worship. During the medieval period, the cult of the saints reached its peak, but it faced challenges during the Reformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cult of the saints developed from its beginnings in the second century AD up to the Reformation in the 16th century. In the early years of Christianity, relics - holy objects connected to saints - became an important focus of worship. Churches would often compete to acquire the most powerful relics, leading to a thriving trade in relics.
During the medieval period, the cult of the saints reached its peak, with the importance of relics growing. The Catholic Church, particularly the Vatican in Rome, held great power and controlled not only learning and scholarship but also finances through taxes on the faithful. However, the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, challenged the dominance of the Catholic Church and led to the rise of Protestantism.
Overall, the development of the cult of the saints spanned several centuries, starting as a focus on relics and evolving into a central aspect of medieval Christianity, before facing challenges during the Reformation.