It was 486 years ago that Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door of Wittenberg. Initially, he performed this work as an academic exercise — although he was convinced of the truth of his assertions. Apparently, it was customary for the University of Wittenberg to participate in ecclesiastical festivities on the Eve of All Saints Day. Usually, this was in the form of a public disputation on a scientific subject. In 1517 it was Luther's turn to lead the disputation and he used this opportunity to protest the sale of indulgences by the church.