The Bloody Sack of Rome

Spiegel ^ | 5/7/2009 | Matthias Schulz

[markomalley]

Pope Benedict XVI swore in the latest recruits to the Swiss Guard on Wednesday, the anniversary of the Sack of Rome. Almost 500 years ago, a German mercenary army went on a rampage in the Eternal City. It was the Swiss Guard's bravery that allowed the pope to escape to safety.

It was something that people across Europe could not quite believe had happened. Brutish intruders with wheel-lock pistols and long spears had been allowed to capture the Eternal City. Rome's Aurelian Walls had failed. The air in the city was filled with the prayers of desperate citizens, beseeching God to prevent a German victory.

But heaven did not intervene when, on the morning of May 6, 1527, an army of mercenaries fighting on behalf of German Emperor Charles V began to storm the capital of Christendom. Thousands of mercenaries, using crudely fashioned ladders made of laths and vine stakes, attempted to climb Rome's ancient defensive walls.

(snip)

But it was no use. At 7:30 a.m., the intruders broke through Rome's defenses and entered the Vatican district. From there, they crossed the bridges across the Tiber River and, with a horrible roar, advanced into the center of Rome.

(snip)

The Vatican, which lost more than 70 percent of its protection force, the Swiss Guard, during the attack, is particularly keen to commemorate those events. Traditionally, new recruits to the Swiss Guard are sworn in on the anniversary of the bloody incident as a testament to their bravery all those years ago. This Wednesday, according to protocol, the event began with an early mass and a wreath-laying ceremony. After that, the new soldiers took their oath of office in the Apostolic Palace, and were then granted a private audience with the pope.

[markomalley]

Very interesting article to read (encourage all to click on the link and read the rest of the article)

[T Minus Four]

Some headlines just compel one to click on the link

[2banana]

Back when the Germans could fight. Now they just roll over and play dead.

[Joe 6-pack]

"Back when the Germans could fight. Now they just roll over and play dead."

The Germans had a pretty whacky 100 year run from 1845-1945. Personally, I welcome them taking a little time off. I'm sure their fighting spirit will be rekindled once they've all been converted to islam.

[Zetman]

Just wow. What an inhumane tradegy.

I have to admit that I had never heard of this, even having attended Catholic schools for 9 years back in the late 60’s through a good portion of the 70’s (I had never heard of Lepanto either, until just a few years ago). That says a lot about the state of Catholic education since the “Spirit of Vatican II” reared it’s head.

Note that the Catholic Church survived, and even thrived (in spite of ongoing difficulties in the intervening 500 years - Satan never sleeps, and will continue to try to destroy the Church until the end of time).

[Zetman]

tradegy = tragedy

Sigh.

I sometimes wish you could go back and re-edit your posts after you post them.

[Zetman]

The scary part is that I could see the liberals doing this in many left-leaning cities, such as San Francisco. The only thing really stopping them is the knowledge that they could not get away with it (yet).

[OpusatFR]

“Back when the Germans could fight. Now they just roll over and play dead.”

That berserker mentality runs close to the surface. Trust me, I could turn on a dime.

[elpadre]

I believe I read somewhere that for a period of time after this event, the Spanish Army stood in as protectors of Rome. I think at the time of the English reformation Spain had the job. Alas, too many years have passed and I don't recall the dates.

[redgolum]

Someone mentioned this to me on FR a while ago about the “Lutheran Sack of Rome during the 30 years war!”. Think it was before the Religion Mod days.

I was confused though, not one of the Protestant states had an army that far south. Turns out we were both right. The army was serving Charles V (the Holy Roman Emperor) who was mighty mad about the games the Pope was playing in trying to limit his goal of ultimate power. And the mercenary army, serving on the “Catholic” side, was Protestant.

Much like there were Catholic mercenary Armies fighting for the Protestants. If you read the history of the time, (and I have a few great books if you want some pointers) it becomes clear that the real fight was between France and the Hapsburg's in the end.

And the poor peasants paid the price on both sides.