Sergius contributes to urban redevelopment in Rome,…

Sergius contributes to urban redevelopment in Rome, relying on what some consider to be dubious means of gaining money.

Starting in 827, Muslim forces had begun to conquer Sicily.

The Saracens of southern Italy, repulsed at Naples in 846, come north to the mouth of the Tiber River, capture the fort recently constructed there by the late Pope Gregory, and march on Rome, looting and burning the suburbs as they advance.

They reach the Vatican Hill area outside Rome’s defensive walls, and pillage the buildings there, desecrating Saint Peter’s Basilica, then, laden with plunder, escape to their ships.