Sack of Rome (1527)

On May 6, 1527, the unimaginable happened. Over 20,000 men entered Rome, the Eternal City, and pillaged and looted it for more than a month. Under the leadership of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, German and Spanish forces pillaged churches and palaces, kidnapped merchants and cardinals, and murdered people from all walks of life in the streets and their houses. Since the city's capture in 410 C.E., Rome has not seen such a humiliating and disastrous defeat at the hands of an outside force. the Visigoths killed him (Hunt, n.d.).

Pope Clement had ill-advisedly organized the League of Cognac to oppose Charles' dominance in Italy. However, imperial troops enraged about not being paid took the initiative to attack Rome rather than following the emperor's commands. Under the leadership of renegade French aristocrat the Duke of Bourbon, these ragged and starving soldiers—among them German Landsknecht mercenaries and Spanish infantry—mutinied and marched on Rome.

• THE STAND OF SWISS GUARD

150 wealthy Swiss soldiers began working as papal bodyguards in 1506 in a small groups. 512 years later, the Swiss Guard continues a proud tradition of protecting the pope by acting as Vatican City's official watchmen. During a 1527 assault on Rome, the unit's devotion was tested. The Swiss Guard famously stood up for Pope Clement VII in the face of an overwhelming enemy force.

An army of approximately 20,000 mercenaries fighting on behalf of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V prepared to storm Christendom's capital early on May 6, 1527. These men had just finished a fight against the League of Cognac, an alliance formed by Pope Clement VII and King Francis I of France. The troops of the Holy Roman Emperor hadn't been paid in months and were about to rebel. The mercenary army was promised a chance to pillage Rome in exchange for their loyalty.

A desperate defense led by citizens and militia stood in the way of the impoverished mob once they left one of the most magnificent cities in the world. By 7:30 in the morning, the invading army had penetrated Rome's defenses and entered the Vatican district, despite the defenses' best efforts. 189 Swiss Guards held their ground on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica against the assault of thousands of bloodthirsty mercenaries. Showing steady mental fortitude despite guaranteed annihilation, the patrols battled on with regards to the Blessed Dad. The Swiss Guard's bravery was undeniable, but the odds against them were simply too great. 189 guardsmen died defending Pope Clement VII, with the exception of 42. Their brave stand permitted the pope to escape through a mysterious passageway to the secure Castel Sant'Angelo.

During the Sack of Rome in 1527, the Swiss Guard made an incredible sacrifice that continues to this day. As a testament to the bravery of the guardsmen all those years ago, new recruits to the unit are typically sworn in on the anniversary of the courageous stand. When German forces entered Rome during the Second World War, the Swiss Guard even prepared for a similar act of self-sacrifice. The guardsmen, who were far outnumbered, took defensive positions, but Hitler decided not to attack the Vatican, so no lives were lost (The Stand of the Swiss Guard, 2018).

• SUMMARIZE:

The Sack of Rome in 1527 was a military event during the Italian Wars. It involved the looting and destruction of the city of Rome by the troops of Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire. The sack was a result of a power struggle between Charles V and Pope Clement VII, who was allied with the French. The besieging troops, composed mainly of German and Spanish mercenaries, were left unpaid, leading to their discontent. When the city's defenses were breached, the troops went on a rampage, pillaging and killing for several days. Many valuable works of art, buildings, and ancient treasures were destroyed or looted during the assault. The sack resulted in a shift of power in Italy, with the papacy losing prestige and Charles V gaining greater control over the Italian territories. The event had a profound impact on Italy and European history, resulting in political, religious, and cultural consequences.

• LESSON:

History's lessons will always serve as a reminder of the Swiss Guard's unwavering loyalty. The individuals who visit Vatican City today will not go far without seeing what some have called "the world's littlest armed force." Just as they have done for more than 500 years, the Swiss Guard continues to keep an eye on things (The Stand of the Swiss Guard, 2018).