In Our Time

The Sack of Rome 1527

Mar 21, 2024

Joining the discussion are Stephen Bowd, a Professor of Early Modern History, Jessica Goethals, an Associate Professor of Italian, and Catherine Fletcher, a Professor of History. They delve into the chaotic 1527 Sack of Rome, exploring the geopolitical ambitions behind it and the horrific consequences faced by its citizens. The conversation reveals the shocking complicity of locals in the looting and examines the devastating impact on artistic heritage. The guests also reflect on the broader cultural ramifications, including the suffering of the Jewish community during this tumultuous period.

46:32

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Episode guests

Catherine Fletcher

Jessica Goethals

Stephen Bowd

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Quick takeaways

The sack of Rome 1527 marked the beginning of imperial rule in Italy, leading to political reorganization and the consolidation of power by the Medici family.

The personal experiences of ordinary citizens during the sack highlight the lasting trauma and resilience of individuals amidst political upheaval.

Jewish communities in Rome faced heightened risks and prejudices during the sack, with reports of contributions to ransoms reflecting targeted persecution.

Accounts of snipers and sharpshooters in the sack raise questions about historical accuracy and the role of marksmanship in shaping narratives of warfare.

The cultural aftermath of the sack saw cities like Venice redefine themselves through rebuilding efforts, artistic responses, and reflections on political power and human resilience.

Deep dives

Impact of the Sack of Rome on Political Landscape

The sack of Rome signaled the beginning of imperial hegemony over Italy, weakening the Papal States and allowing the Medici family to consolidate power in Florence and eventually establish a lasting legacy. The aftermath also led to a period of rebuilding and political reorganization across the region, with France and Venice emerging as new centers of influence. However, the human cost of the sack was immense, with reports of significant casualties and long-lasting repercussions on the population.

Price Adjustments and Historical Events

01:19

Failure to Secure the City and Cut Off Entry Points

01:20

Learning from Historical Accounts

01:15

Intro

2min

The Italian Wars: Charles V and the Struggle for Dominance

5min

The Sack of Rome: Chaos and Consequences

17min

The Italian Complicity in the Sack of Rome

2min

The Sack of Rome: Art and Aftermath

4min

Chaos and Consequences: The Sack of Rome

15min

The Jewish Experience and Myths of Sniper Accuracy in the Sack of Rome

3min

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the infamous assault of an army of the Holy Roman Emperor on the city of Rome in 1527. The troops soon broke through the walls of this holy city and, with their leader shot dead early on, they brought death and destruction to the city on an epic scale. Later writers compared it to the fall of Carthage or Jerusalem and soon the mass murder, torture, rape and looting were followed by disease which was worsened by starvation and opened graves. It has been called the end of the High Renaissance, a conflict between north and south, between Lutherans and Catholics, and a fulfilment of prophecy of divine vengeance and, perhaps more persuasively, a consequence of military leaders not feeding or paying their soldiers other than by looting.

With

Stephen Bowd Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Edinburgh

Jessica Goethals Associate Professor of Italian at the University of Alabama

And

Catherine Fletcher Professor of History at Manchester Metropolitan University

Producer: Simon Tillotson

Reading list:

Stephen Bowd, Renaissance Mass Murder: Civilians and Soldiers during the Italian Wars (Oxford University Press, 2018)

Benvenuto Cellini, Autobiography (Penguin Classics, 1999)

Benvenuto Cellini (trans. Julia Conaway Bondanella and Peter Bondanella), My Life (Oxford University Press, 2009)

André Chastel (trans. Beth Archer), The Sack of Rome 1527 (Princeton University Press, 1983

Catherine Fletcher, The Beauty and the Terror: An Alternative History of the Italian Renaissance (Bodley Head, 2020)

Kenneth Gouwens and Sheryl E. Reiss (eds), The Pontificate of Clement VII: History, Politics, Culture (Routledge, 2005)

Francesco Guicciardini (trans. Sidney Alexander), The History of Italy (first published 1561; Princeton University Press, 2020)

Luigi Guicciardini (trans. James H. McGregor), The Sack of Rome (first published 1537; Italica Press, 2008)

Judith Hook, The Sack of Rome (2nd edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004)

Geoffrey Parker, Emperor: A New Life of Charles V (Yale University Press, 2019)

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In Our Time

The Sack of Rome 1527

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Impact of the Sack of Rome on Political Landscape

Individual Experiences During the Sack

Significance of Jewish Experiences

Accuracy of Sniper Accounts during the Sack

Rebuilding and Cultural Impact

Individual Reactions and Human Impacts

Social and Political Ramifications of the Sack

Cultural Responses and Artistic Resilience

Long-Term Legacy and Societal Reflections

Historical Narratives and Revisionist Accounts

Price Adjustments and Historical Events

Failure to Secure the City and Cut Off Entry Points

Learning from Historical Accounts

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts