The Papal States led by Julius II are a custom civilization by JFD, with contributions from Arilasqueto, DarthKyofu, Janboruta and Zharques.
This mod requires Brave New World.
Overview[]
The Papal States[]
As early as the 4th century, the popes had acquired considerable property around Rome (called the Patrimony of St. Peter). From the 5th century, with the breakdown of Roman imperial authority in the West, the popes’ influence in central Italy increased as the people of the area relied on them for protection against barbarian invasions. Leo I (reigned 440–461), for example, prevented Attila the Hun from sacking Rome, and Gregory I (590–604) faced threats from the Lombards. Gregory reorganized the papacy’s vast estates and improved its administration of charity. Notwithstanding these early developments, the papacy and its territories remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) during this period. The Republic of St. Peter, or the Papal States, emerged in the mid-8th century as part of a broader political reconfiguration. Popes Gregory II (715–731) and Gregory III (731–741) turned away from the Byzantine Empire because of increased imperial taxation, the emperor’s policy of iconoclasm (prohibition of the veneration of religious images), and Constantinople’s failure to protect Rome adequately. When the Lombards threatened to take over the whole peninsula in the 750s, Pope Stephen II (or III; 752–757) appealed for aid to the Frankish ruler Pippin III (the Short), who “restored” the lands of central Italy to the Roman see, ignoring the claim of the Byzantine Empire to sovereignty there. This Donation of Pippin (756) provided the basis for the papal claim to temporal power. In the same year, by the Treaty of Pavia, the Lombard king Aistulf ceded territory in northern and central Italy. It was probably also about this time that the Donation of Constantine was forged by an unknown cleric in Rome. A legitimate donation by Charlemagne and decrees by Louis the Pious and his son Lothar I confirmed and expanded early Carolingian grants of territory to the papacy. The pope consequently became ruler of the area around Ravenna, the Pentapolis (along the Adriatic Sea from Rimini to Ancona), and the Roman region.
Julius II[]
Pope Julius II, born Giuliano della Rovere was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1503 to his death, in February 1513. Nicknamed the Warrior Pope, Battle Pope or the Fearsome Pope, he chose his papal name not in honour of Pope Julius I but in emulation of Julius Caesar. 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. As a result of his policies during the Italian Wars, the Papal States increased its power and centralization, and the office of the papacy continued to be crucial, diplomatically and politically, during the entirety of the 16th century in Italy and Europe.
Dawn of Man[]
Art by Arilasqueto
Blessings be upon you, Julius II, the great Warrior Pope. You are the successor to the corruption of the papacy by the Borgias, and in your nine year pontificate, you sought to restore not just the glory of the Papal States but the glory of Rome. A leader of men into battle against the despotic leaders of Italy, you also were a man of the Renaissance, and it would be with the building of St. Peter's Basilica that would be perhaps your greatest legacy.
Supreme Pontiff, the church and its prospective lands have once more fallen into corruption. Temporal wretches surround and despoil the ancient legacy of your great capital. Can you take up the mantle of Julius Caesar and restore the Papal lands to their rightful glory? Can you inspire the people of your faith with the grace of art and beauty? Can you build a civilization that will stand the test of time?
Introduction: So, another wretched of the earth has come to pay homage. I am Julius II, and have much to get done to return these Papal States to imperial glory. You best hurry this along.
Defeat: May St. Peter deny your entry before the heavenly gates.
Unique Attributes[]
The Papal States (Julius II)
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 Art by Arilasqueto |
The Warrior Pope Capturing a city with followers of your main
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  Art by Janboruta |
Swiss Guard (Landsknecht)
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  Art by Janboruta |
Chapel (Temple)
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City List
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Spy List
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Music[]
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Mod Support[]
| Mod Support | |
|---|---|
Additional Achievements
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Unknown |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
Ethnic Units/R.E.D.
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No |
| No | |
| No | |
Map Labels
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No |
| Yes | |
Unique Cultural Influence
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No |
YnAEMP
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Yes |
Full Credits List[]
| Steam Workshop | |
| Latest Version: | v 1 |
| Last Updated: | April 2025 |
- JFD: Author; Code; Design; Research; Writing
- Arilasqueto: Art (Leaderscene; Leader Icon)
- DarthKyofu: Art (Map; Civilization Icon)
- Janboruta: Art (Unit Icon; Building Icon)
- Zharques: Writing (Leader Pedia)