Sack of Rome

The Sack of Rome in 1527 was a violent attack by the armies of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. As part of the Italian Wars, the troops—mainly Spanish and German mercenaries—turned against the city, which was then under the Pope's control. They looted, vandalized, and caused widespread destruction, leading to the death of many residents. This event marked a symbolic decline of Rome's political and spiritual power and highlighted the chaos of European conflicts during that period, influencing the future of Italy and the Catholic Church.