See more
What was Julius II's greatest contribution to the world?
With his wealth of visionary ideas, he contributed to their creativity. Following an overall plan, he added many fine buildings to Rome and laid the groundwork in the Vatican Museum for the world’s greatest collection of antiquities. Among the innumerable Italian churches that benefitted from his encouragement of the arts was Sta. Maria del Popolo in Rome, for which he commissioned Andrea Sansovino to create sepulchres for a number of cardinals and Pinturicchio to paint the frescoes in the apse. Donato Bramante became the architect of Julius’ fortifications in Latium, of the two galleries that form the Belvedere Court, and of other Vatican buildings. Around 1503 the Pope conceived the idea of building a new basilica of St. Peter, the first model of which Bramante created. Its foundation stone was laid on April 18, 1506.
Who was Julius II?
Full Article. Julius II, original name Giuliano della Rovere, (born Dec. 5, 1443, Albisola, Republic of Genoa—died Feb. 21, 1513, Rome), greatest art patron of the papal line (reigned 1503–13) and one of the most powerful rulers of his age. Although he led military efforts to prevent French domination of Italy, ...
What was the main task of Julius II?
Julius II viewed as the main task of his pontificate the restoration of the Papal States, which had been reduced to ruin by the Borgias. Large portions of it had been appropriated by Venice after Alexander VI’s death. As a first step as pope, Julius subjugated Perugia and Bologna in the autumn of 1508. Then, in March 1509, he joined the League of Cambrai, an anti-Venetian alliance formed in December 1508 between Louis XII, who then ruled Milan, Emperor Maximilian I, and Ferdinand II of Spain, who had been king of Naples since 1503. The league troops defeated Venice in May 1509 near Cremona, and the Papal States were restored.
Why was the Pope called the saviour of the papacy?
He wished for greatness for the papacy rather than for the pope, and he wished for peace in Italy. The Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt called him the “saviour of the papacy,” because Alexander VI had greatly endangered its existence for the sake of his family interests.
When was the statue of the Pope destroyed?
The famous bronze statue of the Pope for the church of S. Petronio in Bologna, completed in 1508, was destroyed in 1511. In 1508 Michelangelo was prevailed upon by Julius to begin his paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which were unveiled in October 1512.
Who was Pope Sixtus IV's brother?
Giuliano was the son of the impoverished Rafaello della Rovere , Pope Sixtus IV ’s only brother. In 1468 he became a Franciscan, and in 1471 Sixtus IV made him a cardinal. In this office Giuliano displayed all of the attributes of cupidity and corruption of an unscrupulous Renaissance prince. The Pope lavished on him six bishoprics in France and three in Italy along with an abundance of wealthy abbeys and benefices. The Cardinal, who lacked any interest in spiritual pursuits, became an outstanding patron of the arts. He is shown with his protégés in Melozzo da Forlì’s superb fresco of Sixtus IV in the Vatican Museum.
Who was the Pope who commissioned the bronze sepulchre?
After the death of Sixtus IV, for whom Giuliano commissioned a bronze sepulchre by Antonio Pollaiuolo, now in the Vatican Grotto of St. Peter’s, the Cardinal’s candidate, the weak Innocent VIII, was elected through bribery. When Rodrigo Borgia, elected pope as Alexander VI in 1492, plotted Giuliano’s assassination, Giuliano fled in 1494 to the court of Charles VIII of France. He accompanied the French king on his expedition against Naples in the hope that Charles would also depose Alexander VI. After accompanying Charles on his forced return to France, Giuliano took part in Louis XII ’s invasion of Italy in 1502. Alexander VI twice attempted to seize him.
What was Pope Julius II known for?
Pope Julius II was known for sponsoring some of the greatest artwork of the Italian Renaissance, including the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. Julius became one of the most powerful rulers of his time, and he was more concerned with political matters than theological ones. He was enormously successful in keeping Italy together politically and militarily.
Who was Pope Julius II?
About Pope Julius II. Julius was born Giuliano della Rovere. His father Rafaello was from an impoverished but probably noble family. Rafaello's brother Francesco was a learned Franciscan scholar, who was made a cardinal in 1467. In 1468, Giuliano followed his uncle Francesco into the Franciscan order.
What did Julius II decree?
The first thing the new Pope Julius II did was to decree that any future papal election that had anything to do with simony would be invalid. The pontificate of Julius II would be characterized by his involvement in military and political expansion of the Church as well as his patronage of the arts.
What was Pope Julius II's sponsorship of the arts?
Pope Julius II's Sponsorship of the Arts. Julius wasn't a particularly spiritual man, but he was very interested in the aggrandizement of the papacy and the Church at large. In this , his interest in the arts would play an integral role.
What did Giuliano do for the Church?
He used much of his considerable wealth and influence to patronize artists of the day. He also became involved in the political side of the Church, and in 1480 he was made legate to France, where he acquitted himself well. As a result he built up influence among the clergy, particularly the College of Cardinals, although he also had rivals... including his cousin, Pietro Riario, and future pope Rodrigo Borgia.
Where is Pope Julius II buried?
Although Michelangelo completed a tomb for Julius, the pope was instead interred in St. Peter's near his uncle, Sixtus IV.
When did Giuliano return to Rome?
Giuliano finally returned to Rome when Alexander VI died in 1502. The Borgia pope was followed by Pius III, who lived only a month after taking the chair. With the help of some judicious simony, Giuliano was elected to succeed Pius on September 22, 1502.
Why did Pope Julius II get his name?
Once elected to that Papacy, he took the name Julius after the Roman dictator Julius Caesar. His first ambition was to regain lost Papal lands which he succeeded in doing and which in turn made him one of the most powerful men in the world. In the fight for the territory, Pope Julius II would even be present at the battlefields to join ...
Who created the most famous portrait of Pope Innocent X?
Many artists were so influenced by this incredible portrait of such a fragile and sick man. The most important of these artists was Diego Velasquez, who went on to create the greatest portrait of Pope Innocent X, which today is in the Doria Pamphili Gallery in Rome. Post author:
Why are the Vatican museums important?
One of the reasons for the opening of the museums was that the public could view a recently found statue of the Laocoon. The Pope believed it to be so beautiful that after purchasing it he wanted the public also to have access to view it. The Laocoon can still be viewed within the museums along with many other ancient artworks collected by Pope Julius and many Popes after.
How many Popes have been there since the first Pope?
Of the 266 Popes we have had since the first Pope, St. Peter, to our current Pope, Francis, the fights and battles were just a small part of what made Pope Julius II such an important Pope. Below are some of his most important achievements in his decade as Pope.
Who designed the army of the Vatican?
They are also the oldest army in the world. They were established in the Vatican in 1506 under Pope Julius II. Legend even has it that the designer of their uniforms was Michelangelo who was working on Pope Julius II ’s tomb at the time, although many scholars believe this ...
Who is responsible for rebuilding St Peter's Basilica?
Pope Julius II is responsible for rebuilding St Peter’s Basilica as we know it today. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is officially the second biggest church in the world and is the burial site for a number of the 265 former Popes, including St. Peter, whose bones are said to be buried underneath the main altar ...
Who built St Peter's Basilica?
In fact, there was an original old St Peter’s Basilica, built by Emperor Constantine way back between 320 and 330AD. However, it looked very different after Pope Julius II had his way. The Pope had the architect Bramante redesign the whole Basilica as we know it today.
Where was Pope Julius II's tomb?
However, he was not laid there, and the 'Tomb of Julius II', finished long after his death, was instead placed in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, where the pope first became a cardinal.
Who was the Pope after Alexander VI?
After Alexander VI died in 1503, Giuliano della Rovere returned to Rome as a strong candidate for the papacy, but the old and sickly Francesco Piccolomini ascended the papal throne as Pius III. However, Pius III died after a short reign of 26 days, paving the way for his ascension as Pope Julius II, which he still secured by offering bribes and making great promises to the cardinals.
Where was the tomb of Julius II?
However, he was not laid there, and the 'Tomb of Julius II', finished long after his death, was instead placed in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, where the pope first became a cardinal.
Who were the Pope's siblings?
Pope Julius II was born as Giuliano della Rovere Albisola on December 5, 1443, in the Albisola near Savona in the Republic of Genoa to Raffaelo della Rovere and Theodora Manerola. He had four siblings: Bartolomeo, later Bishop of Ferrara; Leonardo; Giovanni, later Prefect of the City of Rome and Prince of Sorea and Senigallia; and Lucina, mother of Cardinal Sisto Gara della Rovere.
Who was the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church?
Pope Julius II, who was better known as the 'Fearsome Pope' to his colleagues and as the 'Warrior Pope' to common people, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1503 to 1513.
Who was the Bishop of Carpentras?
Giuliano della Rovere was appointed Bishop of Carpentras in the Comtat Venaissin by his uncle on October 16, 1471, and was raised to the cardinalate on December 16, being assigned to San Pietro in Vincoli.
What was the name of the Pope who was known as the “Il terrible”?
Nicknamed “Il terrible” by his contemporaries and the “Warrior Pope” by historians, Julius II’s early sixteenth-century pontificate marked a notable political and militaristic expansion of the papacy.
Who was the Holy League?
Nonetheless, Julius was undeterred by these measures and formed the Holy League, an alliance with Venice and Spain against the French. England would later join the Holy League and, after a loss to the French in Ravenna in 1512, was aided by the arrival of Swiss soldiers.
Who was Giuliano della Rovere?
Born Giuliano della Rovere on December 5, 1443 in Albissola (in the Savona region), he was the nephew of the future Pope Sixtus IV, Francesco della Rovere. His uncle enabled the future Julius to study under the Franciscans in Perugia.
Where to see the works of Pope Julius II?
To see the works collected, commissioned and envisioned by Pope Julius II, visit the Vatican City for yourself, and explore the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and more on our popular Vatican Museums Tour today!
What was Julius II's goal?
Julius’s main goal on becoming Pope was to reinstate the papal states to their former glory, as they had fallen into ruin thanks to the Borgias. To achieve this Julius II used warfare. He first conquered Perugia and Bologna in the autumn of 1508, and then in March 1509, he joined the League of Cambrai, an anti-Venetian alliance. The league troops defeated Venice in May 1509 and the Papal States were restored. From extending the papacy’s power as the dominant political and military force and confiscating the landholdings of Cesare Borgia, Julius II sought to free all of Italy from the French and stop the rebellion of local lords. This was the motivation for his second war – to drive the French from Italy. But this war, which lasted from 1510 – 1511 was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, by 1513, his objective to make the Papacy the main force in the Italian Wars was achieved. And so, whilst Julius may have been more concerned with the recovery and expansion of papal territory, he did in the process help forge an Italian national consciousness. It is no wonder that he is depicted as a soldier-type figure.
What was Julius II's greatest contribution to the art world?
As we have discovered, Julius II was not a particularly spiritual man…But he was very interested in the art world and in creating a visual masterpiece within the Catholic Church. His name is therefore closely linked with those of such great artists as Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo. With his wealth and visionary ideas, he contributed to their creativity. The art-loving Pope sponsored the construction of many fine buildings in Rome and encouraged the inclusion of new art in several notable churches. He laid the groundwork for the Vatican Museum by making it one of the greatest collections in Europe. This has led him to become famously known as one of the greatest investors of the arts out of all the past and present Popes in Italy. He was known to inspire great artistic creations, commissioning masterpieces from great artists such as Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Majority of these great artists best-known works were commissioned by Julius II. For example, he was the one to elect that Michelangelo should paint the Sistine Chapel ’s ceiling. He also appointed Raphael to create the four Raphael’s Rooms, as well as asking Bramante to construct new basilica for St. Peter ’s. He was so close to some of these masters, that Julius II became Michelangelo’s intellectual collaborator.
Who was the Pope of Italy?
Pope Julius II was head of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1503 to his death in 1513. He chose his papal name, not in honour of Pope Julius I, but in emulation of Julius Caesar. Julius II is known to be a causing contributor to the reformation, as his focus on the arts and politics alienated northern Europe. He is still one of the most famous Pope’s throughout history, as he is responsible for some of the best tourist destinations in all of Italy.
What was the role of Pope Julius II in the Renaissance?
In addition, Julius was one of the leading patrons of the arts in the Renaissance.
What was Julius II's most famous work?
He commissioned one of the most famous works of the Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel ceiling , painted by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI. Julius also employed RAPHAEL to paint several frescoes*, including the famous School of Athens for his Vatican apartment. Raphael’s portrait of Julius influenced the way artists portrayed popes for centuries.
Where was Julius born?
Julius was born Giuliano della Rovere in Albissola, a town in northwestern Italy . He owed his career to a wealthy uncle who financed his education. In 1471 this uncle became Pope Sixtus IV, and shortly after that Giuliano became a cardinal. This new position led him to France and other countries to serve as an official representative of the pope.
Where did Giuliano go?
In 1474 Giuliano went to war-torn Umbria, part of the Papal States, to end the fighting there. In Umbria he gained a taste for battle, which suited his energy and strength. He remained in Rome until his enemy ALEXANDER VI became pope. Feeling unsafe, Giuliano went to France and later to northwestern Italy, where he lived until Alexander’s death.
Who was the Pope in Rome?
Pope Julius I. Pope Julius I was the bishop of Rome from 6 February 337 to his death on 12 April 352. He is notable for asserting the authority of the pope over the Arian Eastern bishops, as well as a false claim that he set 25 December as the official birthdate of Jesus .
When did Julius I die?
Julius I died in Rome on 12 April 352. He was succeeded by Liberius. Julius is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. His feast day is on 12 April.
Why did Julius I declare 25 December as the birthdate of Sol Invictus?
Another reason for the decision may have been because, in 274 AD, the Roman emperor Aurelian had declared 25 December the birthdate of Sol Invictus and Julius I may have thought that he could attract more converts to Christianity by allowing them to continue to celebrate on the same day.
When was Jesus born?
Some have claimed that, around 350 AD, Julius I declared December 25 as the official date of the birth of Jesus, but this is based on a letter quoted only in a 9th century source, and this letter is spurious. At the time this was one of the commonly believed dates for Jesus' birth and was used by Hippolytus of Rome in his Commentary on Daniel around 200 AD. It is claimed - falsely - that Pope Julius declared 25th as Christmas after patriarch Cyril of Jerusalem asked for clarification on what date historical records stored in Rome indicate as Jesus' birth. It was also believed that Jesus and John the Baptist were born around the same time from reading the Gospel of Luke.
Who was the patriarch of Constantinople?
After the followers of Eusebius of Nicomedia, who had become the patriarch of Constantinople, renewed their deposition of Athanasius of Alexandria at a synod held in Antioch in 341, they resolved to send delegates to Constans, emperor of the West, and also to Julius, setting forth the grounds on which they had proceeded.
Who was the bishop of Rome in 342?
On this second banishment from Alexandria, Athanasius came to Rome, and was recognised as a regular bishop by the synod presided over by Julius in 342. Julius sent a letter to the Eastern bishops that is an early instance of the claims of primacy for the bishop of Rome.
Who was the successor of Pope Mark?
Pontificate. Julius was a native of Rome and was chosen as successor of Pope Mark after the Roman seat had been vacant for four months.
About Pope Julius II
Cardinal Giuliano Della Rovere
- Giuliano showed no true interest in spiritual matters, but he enjoyed considerable income from three Italian bishoprics, six French bishoprics, and many abbeys and benefices bestowed on him by his uncle. He used much of his considerable wealth and influence to patronize artists of the day. He also became involved in the political side of the Church, and in 1480 he was made legat…
The Political Work of Pope Julius II
- As pope, Julius gave the highest priority to the restoration of the Papal States. Under the Borgias, the Church lands had been notably diminished, and after the death of Alexander VI, Venice had appropriated large portions of it. In the fall of 1508, Julius conquered Bologna and Perugia; then, in the spring of 1509, he joined the League of Cambrai,...
Pope Julius II's Sponsorship of The Arts
- Julius wasn't a particularly spiritual man, but he was very interested in the aggrandizement of the papacy and the Church at large. In this, his interest in the arts would play an integral role. He had a vision and a plan to renew the city of Rome and make everything associated with the Church splendid and awe-inspiring. The art-loving pope sponsored the construction of many fine buildin…
More Pope Julius II Resources
- Julius II: The Warrior Popeby Christine ShawVisit merchantMichelangelo and the Pope's Ceilingby Ross King
- Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul IIby Richard P. McBrien
- Chronicle of the Popes: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Papacy over 2000 Years by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart