13 March 2010

Lentorama 2010: Two Millennia of Pointy Hats

Day 23: Nicholas II (1059-61)

A short but important reign, as the election of Nicholas marked the end of the count of Tusculum's influence over the papacy. Nicholas was elected by a group of cardinals who opposed the count's choice, Antipope Benedict X, and Nicholas was able to take control of the See of Rome after allying with the Normans, who got land and titles in Italy in return for their support.

The election of Nicholas by cardinals was also significant as it led Nicholas to suggest this as a permanent reform. This would cause some conflict between later popes and the Holy Roman Emperor, but it would become the standard method of electing popes, continuing today.

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