1694. Francois-Marie Arouet (Voltaire) born Nov 21, Paris.
1717. Arouet accused of writing libelous poems; gets 11 months in Bastille.
1718. Arouet adopts name "Voltaire."
1725. Voltaire offends Rohan family, is sentenced to Bastille, then negotiates exile in Great Britain for three years.
1729. Voltaire returns to Paris.
1733. Voltaire publishes "Letters concerning the English Nation," now called "Philosophical Letters." Flees to Cirey, Lorraine; lives with mistress/collaborator Émilie du Châtelet for 15 years.
1759. Voltaire buys estate at Ferney, France, near Swiss border.
1778. Voltaire returns to Paris after 20 years, died on May 30 (age 84) at the height of fame, officially denied Christian burial but buried secretly at the abbey of Scellieres, Champagne.
Britain
1725. Voltaire offends Rohan family, is sentenced to Bastille, then negotiates exile in Great Britain for three years.
1726 to 1728 he lodged in Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
1728 Voltaire meets Émilie du Châtelet.
Germany & Switzerland
1750. Voltaire moves to Potsdam under sponsorship of Frederick the Great.
1753. Voltaire leaves Potsdam over quarrel with Frederick; denied entry into France; eventually settles in Geneva (1755).