On 6 May 1527 a leaderless mercenary army, consisting of German Landsknechts as well as Spanish and Italian mercenaries, invaded the city of Rome.
As soon as possible, they advanced on the Vatican Hill.
On St. Peter's Square 147 (of 189) men of the Swiss Guard stood in position to protect Pope Clement VII.
The remaining 42 Swiss escorted the Pope to the Castel Sant'Angelo (using a secret escape passageway, the Passetto di Borgo) where he finally had to capitulate after a month of siege.
None of the 147 Swiss survived.
Even today the Swiss Guards have their swearing-in ceremony of new recruits on 6 May, in tribute of the fallen.
As soon as possible, they advanced on the Vatican Hill.
On St. Peter's Square 147 (of 189) men of the Swiss Guard stood in position to protect Pope Clement VII.
The remaining 42 Swiss escorted the Pope to the Castel Sant'Angelo (using a secret escape passageway, the Passetto di Borgo) where he finally had to capitulate after a month of siege.
None of the 147 Swiss survived.
Even today the Swiss Guards have their swearing-in ceremony of new recruits on 6 May, in tribute of the fallen.
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