The year of his birth in Langres, in a family of craftsmen.

His family wants him to become a priest so he attends the Jesuits college in Langres; then he moves to the Harcourt college in Paris.

His final examination at the University in Paris. Then for ten years he lives a lively existence working in different fields.

He begins a friendship with Rousseau and Grimm.

Diderot marries Antoinette Champion, against his father’s will.

Along with D’Alambert he is named join director for the publication of the Encyclopaedia, and for more than twenty years he will be busy working in this field.

He is imprisoned in Vincennes because of his "Lettre sur les aveugles à l’usage de ceux qui voient".

The publication of the first book of the Encyclopaedia

Year of the birth of his daughter MarieAngélique

Diderot has a relationship with Sophie Volland with whom he will continue a huge correspondence until his death.

The publication of the seventh book of the Encyclopaedia. The article "Genève" starts a few protests and a certain disagreement with Rousseau.

The Encyclopaedia is considered subversive by the Parliament.
The King Louis XV gives the order to burn the books.
Even the Pope criticizes the Encyclopaedia, the manuscripts that belong to Diderot are confiscated, but Malesherbes hides a few copies in his house. Diderot begins a career as art critic in a few salons.

The first ten books of the Encyclopaedia are secretly printed and with a false address.
Catherine II, the Empress of Russia, buys a copy of the work for her daughter.

He travels in Russia and in the Netherlands.

30 july: Diderot dies in Paris