Pope Sylvester III

Reign: 1045 – 1045
Life: 1000–1063

Background Christened John, he was born into the powerful Roman patrician family Crescentii . Upon the death of Pope John XIX in October 1032, the papal throne became the subject of dispute between rival factions of nobles. Theophylactus, a youth of about twenty, the son of Alberic III, Count of Tusculum , was supported by the nobles of Tusculum. The young man was not only unqualified, but led a reportedly dissolute life, and factional strife continued.

During Pope Sylvester III's reign, Anund Jacob ruled Sweden, Edward the Confessor ruled England, and Macbeth 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 Sylvester III

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Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy

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