Papal States in the Middle Ages

The Papal States were a region in central Italy governed by the Pope from the 8th century until the 19th century. They held significant political and religious influence during the Middle Ages, serving as a theocratic government where the Pope exercised both spiritual and temporal power. This included leadership over territories that enabled the Church to control vast resources and partake in European politics. The Papal States were central to conflicts such as the Investiture Controversy and contributed to the development of the Renaissance through art and culture, ultimately being absorbed into unified Italy in 1870.