Papal State history overview with rulers

The Papal States were a series of territories in central Italy under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope, from the 8th century until 1870. Here's a brief overview of its history and some notable rulers: 1. **Early Period (8th - 11th century):** - The Papal States originated with the donation of lands by Pepin the Short, King of the Franks, to Pope Stephen II in 756 AD. - These territories were further expanded and consolidated under subsequent popes. - During this period, the Pope faced challenges from both secular and ecclesiastical powers, including conflicts with the Holy Roman Emperor. 2. **Investiture Controversy (11th - 12th century):** - A major conflict arose between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor over the appointment of church officials, known as the Investiture Controversy. - Popes such as Gregory VII and Innocent III played significant roles in asserting papal authority over secular rulers. 3. **Middle Ages and Renaissance (13th - 16th century):** - The Papal States reached their territorial zenith during this period, with popes exercising temporal power over significant parts of central Italy. - Notable rulers during this time include Innocent III, who asserted papal supremacy over secular rulers, and Julius II, known for his patronage of the arts, including the commissioning of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. 4. **Age of Reformation and Counter-Reformation (16th - 17th century):** - The Protestant Reformation and subsequent Catholic Counter-Reformation had significant impacts on the Papal States. - Popes such as Paul III played crucial roles in spearheading the Catholic response to the Protestant movement. 5. **Napoleonic Era (Late 18th - Early 19th century):** - The Papal States faced challenges during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, with territories being seized by Napoleon Bonaparte and subsequently annexed into the French Empire. 6. **Italian Unification (19th century):** - The process of Italian unification, also known as the Risorgimento, led to the gradual erosion of papal temporal power. - In 1870, following the capture of Rome by Italian forces, the remaining territories of the Papal States were annexed into the Kingdom of Italy, and the Pope's temporal authority was confined to Vatican City. Some notable rulers of the Papal States include Innocent III, Gregory VII, Julius II, and Pius IX, whose reign witnessed the loss of the Papal States' temporal authority.