NationStates Jolt Archive


The Papal States [The Imperial Age]

Naktan
24-02-2006, 04:17
THE PAPAL STATES
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/Pius_VII.jpg

Lo Stato della Chiese

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/1/12/Norditalien_und_Mittelitalien_1806.jpg

Papa PIUS VII, Il Papa della Chiesa e di Promessa di Pietro
http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/pope0251b.jpg


History
The Papal States have been in existence since the days of Pepin, after his donation of Lombard lands to the Church. Since that time, the Papal States have seen relatively little change in territory, remaining removed from the affairs of the rest of the continent. The traditional bastion of Catholicism - Austria - has long provided the Papal States with military and economic protection, in addition to the Swiss Mercenary Guards, employed since 1506 [noteworthy in their defense of Rome in 1527]. The current Pope - Pius VII - was elected recently, and in accordance with peace with Austria, France conceded some territory to reform the Papal States, returning Rome, Latium, and Romagna to the autonomy of the Church.

Military
The Helvetians form the Pontificial Guard. Employed since 1506, they number around 5000. Their armaments are basic rifles and muskets, as well as the traditional pike, used since the medival period. There is one cavalry regiment, numbering at 500, equipped with the finest in Austrian armaments. While this force exists to serve the Pope, since the integration of the Papal States, the Helvetians have not been able to organize and form an adequate force. However, time will repair this problem.

Economy
The Papal States receive tithes and dues from Church property - mostly in Germany and Austria. In addition, the local estates in Romagna and the ports near Rome provide additional finances.

Currency = lira

GDP = N/A

Demographics

Population
300,000