I spent a week in Rome and visited the SanAngelo castle, the Papal stronghold in central City. It has small armoury and I took some pictures of the swords and other weapons. As a former HEMA practitioner I recommend the castle to anyone interested of the subject.
I was touched by the story of the last stand of the Swiss guard in 1527. 189 men against thousands fought to protect the pope and fell keeping their oath. German and Spanish mercenaries sacked the city for months, while pope was secure in the castle. Mercenaries lost their leaders in the attack and leaderless men killed by some estimates 12000 inhabitants. The militia and guard protecting the city was annihilated, they died almost to the last man.
I was touched by the story of the last stand of the Swiss guard in 1527. 189 men against thousands fought to protect the pope and fell keeping their oath. German and Spanish mercenaries sacked the city for months, while pope was secure in the castle. Mercenaries lost their leaders in the attack and leaderless men killed by some estimates 12000 inhabitants. The militia and guard protecting the city was annihilated, they died almost to the last man.





