“Hell was a more beautiful sight to behold.”  In this episode, we delve into the tumultuous events leading up to the 1527 Sack of Rome , "The 9/11 of the 16th Century". At the center of it all stands Charles III, The Duke of Bourbon, a powerful French nobleman with a reputation for being ambitious and insecure. We explore his motivations and actions as he betrays his King to join forces with the Holy Roman Empire, and follow his downfall at the hands of his mutinous German army. From personal rivalries to bloody battles, this episode takes listeners on a journey through The Duke's fall from grace, set against a backdrop of the most dramatic periods in European history.  With expert analysis and gripping storytelling, you'll gain a new understanding of the complex forces that shaped one of the most infamous moments in Rome's history. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website.