Rome is the capital of Italy boasting a population of 2.7 million people. Rome’s history is one of the most luxurious, having been part of the Roman Empire, being a haven for Catholics, and of course its beauty and art have made it a focal point of art history. In addition to its aesthetic history, Rome has also exchanged hands numerous times.
On this day February 10th, in 1798, Rome is invaded by the French. Louis Alexander Berthier, who was a marshal and general of France, led the invasion. Berthier was part of Napoleon’s regime and what makes him memorable is his capture of Pope Pius VI. The papacy has resided in Rome since the founding of the Catholic Church, except for the brief span of time when there were two Popes with one residing in Avignon, France.
Rome’s architecture, which reaches back to Ancient Rome, is filled with Renaissance influence. The city draws in millions of tourists a year, many who visit Vatican City and the Pope.