The Imperial army attacks the walls at…

The Imperial army attacks the walls at the Gianicolo and Vatican Hills on May 6.

Duke Charles is fatally wounded in the assault, allegedly shot by Benvenuto Cellini.

The Duke is wearing his famous white cloak to mark him out to his troops, but it also has the unintended consequence of pointing him out as the leader to his enemies.

The death of the last respected command authority among the Imperial army causes any restraint in the soldiers to disappear, and they easily capture the walls of Rome the same day.

Philibert of Châlon takes command of the armies, but he is not as popular or feared, leaving him with little authority.

One of the Swiss Guard's most notable hours occurs at this time.

Almost the entire guard is massacred by Imperial troops on the steps of St Peter's Basilica.

Of the one hundred and eighty-nine guards on duty only the forty-two who accompany the pope survive, but the bravery of the rearguard ensures that Pope Clement VII escapes to safety, down the Passetto di Borgo, a secret corridor that still links the Vatican City to Castel Sant'Angelo.