Pope Julius II

Reign: 1503 – 1513
Life: 1443–1513

One of the most powerful and influential popes, Julius II was a central figure of the High Renaissance and left a significant cultural and political legacy. In 1506, Julius II established the Vatican Museums and initiated the rebuilding of the St. The same year he organized the famous Swiss Guard for his personal protection and commanded a successful campaign in Romagna against local lords. In 1508, he commissioned the Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel.

During Pope Julius II's reign, Bayezid II ruled Ottoman Empire, Henry VII of England ruled England, and James IV of Scotland ruled Scotland.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Pope Julius II

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy

John Julius Norwich

Norwich's narrative history of the popes, from Saint Peter's successors to the modern Vatican.

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Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes
Eamon Duffy
A respected Yale survey of papal power, reform, and scandal across two millennia.
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