History UsefulNotes / PopeJuliusII

* Portrayed by Massimo De Francovich in ''Film/Sin2019'', in which some of his famous interactions with Michelangelo, as well as his death, are reenacted.

Julius II (born [[TheDanza Giuliano]] Della Rovere, 5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was [[UsefulNotes/ThePope Pope]] from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

Most people believe the Vicar of Christ on Earth should never pick up a sword and never even get close to military affairs. Julius II wasn't most people, though. For one, he didn't choose his name in honor of Pope Julius I, but of ''UsefulNotes/JuliusCaesar'', and would later receive the nicknames of [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" and "The Fearsome Pope"]].

Della Rovere spent Alexander VI's entire papacy attempting to destroy or dethrone him (preferably both), going to such lengths as ''[[UsefulNotes/ItalianWars causing a war between Italy and France]]'' in an attempt to destroy the Borgia Pope, making himself the most dangerous and determined adversary of the Borgia Family. He was unsuccessful in all attempts, but in 1503, Lady Luck smiled to Giulliano Della Rovere: Alexander VI died of malaria.

But he bided his time. Pius III, elected Pope shortly after Alexander's demise, died less than a month after ascending to the Papal chair, leaving the Papal chair ripe for the taking. In the subsequent conclave, Giuliano made a truce with Alexander VI's son, [[UsefulNotes/TheBorgias Cesare Borgia]], and became Julius II.

But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: clad in armor and waving a sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also successfully; his only regret was that he couldn't convince Fernández de Córdoba, whom he admired, to join the fight. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal States, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century.

Most people believe the Vicar of Christ on Earth should never pick up a sword and never even get close to military affairs. Julius II wasn't most people. Starting his career as a humble priest of an ImpoverishedPatrician family, he was mentored and aided by his [[{{Nepotism}} uncle]], Pope Sixtus IV, who gave him the position of Bishop and subsequently Cardinal.

With the death of Pope Innocent VIII, he and his longtime rival Rodrigo Borgia were the two principal candidates for the Papal Chair, and they both fiercely attempted to sway the college of cardinals to their side in the subsequent conclave, by any means necessary (read: bribery). Della Rovere lost, and Rodrigo Borgia ascended to become UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI.

Upon becoming Pope, Julius II proceeded to smash apart all the political power the Borgias had achieved in Alexander VI's papacy, made Alexander VI an UnPerson, went back on everything he promised to Cesare Borgia and imprisoned him (he escaped but died in battle not long after). But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: Clad in armor and waving a sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also successfully. He was called [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" or "The Fearsome Pope"]]. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal States, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century.

He died of a fever in 1513, and was replaced by Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici, who took the name Leo X. A common point of speculation is what would have happened if Julius had lived long enough to react to the Reformation.

With the death of Pope Innocent VIII, he and Rodrigo Borgia were the two principal candidates for the Papal Chair, and they both fiercely attempted to sway the college of cardinals to their side in the subsequent conclave, by any means necessary (read: bribery). Della Rovere lost, and Rodrigo Borgia ascended to become UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI. Thus a virulent rivalry between the two men was born.

Della Rovere spent Alexander VI's entire papacy attempting to destroy or dethrone him (preferably both), going to such lengths as ''[[UsefulNotes/ItalianWars causing a war between Italy and France]]'' in an attempt to destroy the Borgia Pope, making himself the most dangerous and determined adversary of the Borgia Family. He was unsuccessful in all attempts, but in 1503, Lady Luck smiled to Giulliano Della Rovere: Alexander VI died.

But he bided his time. Pius III, elected Pope shortly after Alexander's demise, died less than a month after ascending to the Papal chair, leaving the Papal chair ripe for the taking. In the subsequent conclave, Giuliano made a truce with Alexander VI's son, Cesare Borgia, and became Julius II.

Upon becoming Pope, Julius II proceeded to smash apart all the political power the Borgias had achieved in Alexander VI's papacy, made Alexander VI an UnPerson and imprisoned Cesare Borgia (who died not too long thereafter). But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: Clad in armor and waving a sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also successfully. He was called [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" or "The Fearsome Pope"]]. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal States, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century and kept Italy mostly free from foreign influence.

He was also a patron of the arts, responsible for ordering many of the greatest masterpieces of the [[UsefulNotes/TheRenaissance Renaissance]] (most famously those of Creator/MichelangeloBuonarroti) and the main reason Rome became such a cultural capital.

He died of a fever in 1513, and was replaced by Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici, aka Leo X. A common point of speculation is what would have happened if he had lived long enough to react to the Reformation.

* He's the HeroAntagonist (portrayed by Creator/ColmFeore) in ''Series/TheBorgias'' as well as in ''Borgia'' (portrayed by Tom Fontana).

* ''Theatre/CesareIlCreatoreCheHaDistrutto'', where Cesare Borgia is the main character, has the then-Cardinal Della Rovere as antagonist. It takes place in 1491, just before Rodrigo's election. Della Rovere isn't shown as a villain per se, even though Cesare is well aware that the Cardinal wants to kill him. Della Rovere gets a heartfelt song about art and humanism that ends with a projected vision of the Art/SistineChapel {{paintings}} that he would later commission.

* ''Theatre/CesareIlCreatoreCheHaDistrutto'', where Cesare Borgia is the main character, has the then-Cardinal Della Rovere as antagonist. It takes place in 1491, just before Rodrigo's election. Della Rovere isn't shown as a villain per se, even though Cesare is well aware that the Cardinal wants to kill him. Della Rovere gets a heartfelt song about art and humanism that ends with a projected vision of the Sistine Chapel paintings that he would later commission.

* A French comic gives a sensationalist version of his life, making him ManlyGay, killing dissident members of his family, creating his own elite bodyguard corps of former lovers (by executing those that don't follow his orders exactly), and charging into battle shielded by a metal statue of Jesus.

Pope Julius II (born [[TheDanza Giuliano]] Della Rovere, 5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was [[UsefulNotes/ThePope Pope]] from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

Pope Julius II (born [[TheDanza Giuliano]] Della Rovere, 5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was Pope from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

He was also a patron of the arts, responsible for many of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance (most famouslt those of Creator/MichelangeloBuonarroti) and the main reason Rome became such a cultural capital.

Della Rovere spent Alexander VI's entire papacy attempting to destroy or dethrone him (preferably both), going to such lengths as ''causing a war between Italy and France'' in an attempt to destroy The Borgia Pope, making himself the most dangerous and determined adversary of the Borgia Family. He was unsuccessful in all attempts, but in 1503, Lady Luck smiled to Giulliano Della Rovere: Alexander VI died.

He was also a patron of the arts, responsible for many of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance and the main reason Rome became such a cultural capital.

He died of a fever in 1513. A common point of speculation is what would have happened if he had lived long enough to react to the Reformation.

----

Pope Julius II (born Giuliano Della Rovere, 5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was Pope from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

Giuliano Della Rovere, better known as '''Pope Julius II''' (5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was Pope from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

----

* ArchEnemy: He ''really'' hated the Borgias.
* {{Badass}}: They don't call him "The Fearsome Pope" for nothing.
** {{Ambadassador}}: He represented the Church many times as a Cardinal.
** BadassBoast / PreAsskickingOneLiner: "Let’s see who has the bigger balls, the King of France or the pope." Allegedly said by him before a victorious battle against the French.
** BadassPreacher: Badass ''Pope''.
** BadassGrandpa: He was over 60 by the time he waged war in Italy.
** CulturedBadass: Julius II ''was'' one of the greatest patron of the arts of his time.
** FourStarBadass: Leader of the Papal Armies.
* BattleCry: "Drive out the Barbarians!" was his.
* BeardOfSorrow: His beard (displayed in the image) was in remembrance of the loss of Bologna.
* BoisterousBruiser: In personality, Julius was described as eager, large in presence, impatient, but very friendly and very fond of drinking.
* BornLucky: Machiavelli commented that this was Julius II's greatest asset: luck seemed to be on his side.
* TheChessmaster: To a lesser extent than his predecessor, but the fact remains he played ''[[MagnificentBastard Cesare Borgia]]'' like a fiddle.
* ChurchMilitant: Well, yeah.
* TheDreaded: "The Fearsome Pope".
* HeroicBSOD: The loss of Bologna. It's why he has such a defeated look in the image above.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: He usually makes supporting appearances in stories that deal with the Borgia Family, being their most hated rival.

* {{Hypocrite}}: After buying his way into the Papacy, he made a law that anyone who did the same should be banished from the College of Cardinals.
* ILied: He made a promise of friendship towards Cesare. Less than a year later he ruined Cesare and drove him to his death.
* NotSoDifferent: He and Rodrigo Borgia-both were appointed as cardinals by their uncles, both were from families of middling influence, both had illegitimate children, both weren't shy at using shady means to get what they wanted.
* PatrioticFervor: Julius II's major goal was a united Italy. The only thing that stopped him from achieving that goal was ''death''.
* RedBaron: The Warrior Pope, The Fearsome Pope.
* ValuesDissonance: Was a major anti-Semite and instituted harsh laws against Jews living in Rome's Jewish quarter.
* WhatCouldHaveBeen: What would Julius II do if he lived enough to see The Reformation?

!!In Fiction

* Has a brief cameo in ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedBrotherhood'', arresting Cesare Borgia for his numerous crimes. His role is expanded upon in supplementary material.

->''Drive out the Barbarians''

Most people believe the Vicar of Christ on Earth should never pick up a sword and never get even close range of military affairs. Julius II wasn't most people. Starting his career as a humble humble Preacher of a ImpoverishedPatrician family, he was mentored and aided by his [[{{Nepotism}} uncle]], Pope Sixtus IV, who gave him the position of Bishop and subsequently Cardinal.

With the death of Pope Innocent VIII, he and Rodrigo Borgia were the two principal runners-up for the Papal Chair, and they both fiercely attempted to sway the college of cardinals to their side in the subsequent conclave, by any means necessary (read: bribery). Della Rovere lost, and Rodrigo Borgia ascended to become UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI. Thus a virulent rivalry between the two men was born.

Upon becoming Pope, Julius II proceeded to smash apart all the political power the Borgias had achieved in Alexander VI's papacy, made Alexander VI an UnPerson and imprisoned Cesare Borgia (who died not too long thereafter). But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: Clad in a steel armor and waving a steel sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also successfully. He was called [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" or "The Fearsome Pope"]]. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal States, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century and kept Italy mostly free from foreign influence.

He died of a fever in 1513. A common point of speculation is what would have happened if he had lived enough to reach the Reformation.

* BornLucky: Machiavelli commented this was Julius II's greatest asset: Luck seemed to be on his side.

* HeroicBSOD: The Loss of Bologna. It's why he has such a defeated look in the image above.

* HotBlooded: In ''Literature/ThePrince'', Machiavelli makes note that Julius II was ''incredibly'' quick-tempered, which was both his greatest asset and his greatest flaw.
* {{Hypocrite}}: After buying his way into the Papacy, he made into a law that anyone who did the same should be banished from the Cardinal Council.

* NotSoDifferent: He and Rodrigo Borgia: both were appointed as cardinals by their uncles, both were from families of middling influence, both had illegitimate children, both weren't shy at using shady means to get what they wanted.

Gilliuano Della Rovere, better known as '''Pope Julius II''' (5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was Pope from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[UsefulNotes/PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

Della Rovere spent Alexander VI's entire papacy attempting to destroy or dethrone him (preferably both), going to such lenghts as ''causing a war between Italy and France'' in an attempt to destroy The Borgia Pope, making himself the most dangerous and determined adversary of the Borgia Family. He was unsucceful in all attempts, but in 1503, lady luck smiled to Giulliano Della Rovere: Alexander VI died.

But he bid his time. Pius III, elected Pope shortly after Alexander's demise, died less than a month after ascending to the Papal chair, leaving the Papal chair ripe for the taking. In the subsequent conclave, Giuliano made a truce with Alexander VI's son, Cesare Borgia, and became Julius II.

Upon becoming Pope, Julius II proceeded to smash apart all the political power the Borgias had achieved in Alexander VI's papacy, made Alexander VI an UnPerson and imprisoned Cesare Borgia (who died not too long thereafter). But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: Clad in a steel armor and waving a steel sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also succefully. He was called [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" or "The Fearsome Pope"]]. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal states, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century and kept Italy mostly free from foreign influence.

* BeardOfSorrow: His beard (displayed in the image) was in rememberance of the loss of Bologna.

* He's the HeroAntagonist (portrayed by Colm Feore) in ''Series/TheBorgias'' as well as in ''Borgia'' (portrayed by Tom Fontana).

Gilliuano Della Rovere, better known as '''Pope Julius II''' (5 December 1443 – 21 February 1513) was Pope from 1503 to 1513. The last Pope before Martin Luther kickstarted the Reformation, one could say that like [[PopeAlexanderVI his predecessor]] (and hated rival), he contributed to the triggering of it, though in certainly different ways.

With the death of Pope Innocent VIII, he and Rodrigo Borgia were the two principal runners-up for the Papal Chair, and they both fiercely attempted to sway the college of cardinals to their side in the subsequent conclave, by any means necessary (read: bribery). Della Rovere lost, and Rodrigo Borgia ascended to become PopeAlexanderVI. Thus a virulent rivalry between the two men was born.

Upon becoming Pope, Julius II proceeded to smash apart all the political power the Borgias had achieved in Alexander VI's papacy, made Alexander VI a UnPerson and imprisoned Cesare Borgia (who died not too long thereafter). But the career of Julius II would only get more dramatic: Clad in a steel armor and waving a steel sword, he took to the battlefield and led the Papal troops himself, warring against the Venetians with great success and later against the French also succefully. He was called [[RedBaron "The Warrior Pope" or "The Fearsome Pope"]]. His victories completely changed the history of the Papal states, establishing a structure that would exist until the 19th century and kept Italy mostly free from foreign influence.

* He's the HeroAntagonist (portrayed by Colm Feore) in Series/TheBorgias as well as in (portrayed by Tom Fontana) in ''Borgia''.
* RexHarrison portrays him in Film/TheAgonyAndTheEcstasy
* Has a brief cameo in VideoGame/AssassinsCreedBrotherhood arresting Cesare Borgia for his numerous crimes. His role is expanded upon in supplementary material.

* {{Badasss}}: They don't call him "The Fearsome Pope" for nothing.
** {[Ambadassador}}: He represented the Church many times as a Cardinal.