The Historians' History of the World 08

1437 The Council of Bâle summons Eugenius to answer charges; he replies with a bull dissolving council and summoning another at Ferrara, to which the emperor of Constantinople, Joannes VIII, is invited, that a union between the two churches may be effected. The council ignores the bull, and continues its sittings.

1438 The Council of Bâle passes a decree suspending the pope. Opening of the Council of Ferrara attended by the emperor and patriarch of Constantinople. The pope’s fiscal rights annulled in France. The Council of Bâle is henceforth recognised only in Germany.

1439 The council removed to Florence. Union of the Greek and Latin churches effected. It comes to nothing, through hostile influences at Constantinople and the failure of Eugenius to keep his promises. Deposition of Eugenius at Bâle. Amadeus VIII of Savoy, Felix V, elected anti-pope. Eugenius excommunicates the Council of Bâle.

1440 Coronation of Felix.

1441 Felix quarrels with the council over questions of money. General peace in northern Italy concluded at Cremona.

1443 Felix deserts the council, but retains allegiance of Germany. Henceforth it exists only in name. Eugenius leaves Florence for Rome.

1445 Eugenius’ deposition of the archbishop of Cologne and Trèves brings his dispute with the electors of Germany to a climax. The emperor Frederick III comes to his aid.

1446 Treaty between Frederick and Eugenius. Two electors are deposed, and the electors league against the pope.

1447 Through efforts of Æneas Sylvius Piccolomini the obedience of Germany is restored. Death of Eugenius. Tommaso Parentucelli, Nicholas V. Under him the revival of learning properly begins. The Vatican library is founded. Frederick III forbids any allegiance to Felix in Germany.

1448 Nicholas recognised by the German electors. Dissolution of the Council of Bâle.

1449 Abdication of Felix.

1450 Francesco Sforza becomes lord of Milan. Peace restored in Italy.

1451 Nicholas begins great building operations.

1452 Nicholas crowns Frederick III emperor. Cardinal Isidore and a small force are sent to the relief of Constantinople.

1453 Plot of Stefano Porcaro to re-establish the Roman Republic. It fails, and Porcaro is exiled. The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople brings many learned men to Rome, who assist in the Renaissance. Nicholas proclaims a crusade against the Turks.

1454 League of Lodi.

1455 Alfonso Borgia, Calixtus III. His election is unpopular.

1456 Calixtus proclaims war against the Turks. The papal fleet is sent, but only wins a few unimportant victories.

1458 At death of Alfonso of Naples, Calixtus claims Naples, which he wants for a fief for his nephew, Pedro. These plans are terminated by Calixtus’ death. Æneas Sylvius Piccolomini, Pius II. He recognises Ferdinand as king of Naples.

1459 Congress of Mantua. Pius dreams of converting Muhammed to Christianity.

1460 Publication of the bull “Execrabilis” in which appeals to future councils are condemned. Revolt of Tiburzio in Rome. Pius returns from Mantua and subdues it.

1463 Excommunication of George of Bohemia. Pius issues bull retracting opinions he held at the Council of Bâle.

1464 In league with Venice and Hungary, Pius starts a crusade against the Turks. He dies at Ancona and the crusade is abandoned. Pietro Barbo, Paul II. He is apathetic about the crusade. The moral corruption of the court begins to alienate the respect of Germany.

1465 Paul recovers the patrimony from the sons of Everso di Anguillara.

1469 Departure of Frederick III from Rome—the last appearance of an emperor in Rome.

1470 Paul resigns his claim to Rimini. Publication of statutes for the government of Rome.

1471 Francesco della Rovere, Sixtus IV. He pursues a policy of family aggrandisement. He attempts a new crusade.

1472 The papal fleet plunders the Turkish coast, but makes little effect.

1478 Sixtus tacitly abets the conspiracy against the Medici. Interdiction of Florence for the execution of Archbishop Salviati. War declared on the Florentines who are in alliance with the king of Naples. Louis XI of France fails in offers of mediation.

1480 Peace arranged. The conquest of Otranto by the Turks unites all Italy (except Venice) against the invaders. Absolution of Florence.

1481 The Turks surrender Otranto after death of Muhammed II. Girolamo Riario seizes Forlì.

1482 Sixtus goes to war with Ferrara. Feuds in Rome. Victory at Campo Morto of Roberto Malatesta, the papal general. Peace with Ferrara.

1483 Excommunication of Venice for not making peace with Ferrara. Savonarola begins to preach.

1484 Sixtus attacks the Colonnas in his designs to increase power of Girolamo Riario. Death of Sixtus. The Romans attack Riario and other members of the pope’s family. Giovanni Battista Cibo, Innocent VIII.

1485 Siege of Rome by Virginio Orsini in a quarrel at the instigation of Naples. Innocent intimidated. Relief of Rome by Roberto Sanseverino.