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How did Julius II bring Perugia and Bologna under papal control?
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Julius II
Julius II, contemporary medallion; in the coin collection of the Vatican Library.
Pope Julius II, often referred to as the "warrior pope," prioritized the restoration of the Papal States as a primary goal of his pontificate. He successfully brought both Perugia and Bologna under papal control in 1506 through direct military and political pressure.12345
- Perugia: The city had been dominated by the Baglioni family, who were frequently challenged by the papacy. Following the rise of Giampaolo Baglioni as the city's sole leader, Julius II determined to assert his authority over the region. In 1506, the Baglioni were compelled to acknowledge his overlordship.4
- Bologna: The city had been controlled by the Bentivoglio family for much of the 15th century. By 1506, Giovanni II Bentivoglio had become so tyrannical that he lacked popular support when challenged by Julius II. Consequently, the family was driven from the city, allowing the pope to incorporate Bologna into the Papal States.35
Much of this territorial expansion was achieved through campaigns led by the pope himself, significantly extending the reach of papal power across central Italy.2