History of Swiss Guards in 4 dates
Even though they list among the oldest military units still in operation, few people really know the Pontifical Swiss Guard. This is where I get in the game: I will resume you 500 years of history of Swiss Guards in only 4 historical dates.
Ready, set, go.
22 Jan 1506: Foundation
In 1478, Pope Sixtus IV made an alliance with the Swiss Confederacy, planning to hire Swiss mercenaries when needed. They had a reputation of invincible soldiers, thanks to their courage and loyalty.
With Pope Julius II things changed: he wanted them at his service every day, not just occasionally. On Jan 22nd 1506, 150 Swiss soldiers arrived in Rome led by their Captain Kaspar von Silenen.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard was officially on duty to protect the Pope.
6 May 1527: Sack of Rome
Definitely one of the saddest moment in the history of Swiss guards.
Of 189 guards, only 42 survived the Sack of Rome: led by Hercules Goldli, they escorted Pope Clemens VII safely at Castel S. Angelo.
The others fell fighting the imperial army, including Commander Kaspar Roist massacred in front of his wife.
When the Pope surrendered, the Swiss garrison was abolished and replaced by 200 Landsknechts. It was Pope Paul III who, almost twenty years later, fired the German mercenaries and brought back Swiss soldiers.
20 Sept 1870: End of Papal States
The long process of Italian unification, begun in 1848, ended in 1870 with the Capture of Rome.
While Italian army celebrated the new-born Kingdom, the Papal reign had come to an end after 1116 years.
On September 20th, Italian soldiers breached at Porta Pia and besieged Rome. In the Vatican, Pope Pius IX ordered to limit violence to the minimum and avoiding victims.
From that moment, the Swiss Guard has only one duty: protecting the life of the Pope and ensuring the safety of the Vatican.
11 Feb 1929: Lateran Treaty
The signature of the Lateran Treaty marked the creation of the Vatican City State as we know it today.
It recognized the Vatican as an independent state under the sovereignty of the Holy See, with the absolute right of managing all the affairs on its own.
Since then, the Gendarmerie Corps is responsible for the public order and security in the Vatican, while the Swiss Guard serves ceremonial functions only.
About The Author
