The Cadaver Synod: Rome's Trial of a Dead Pope

Rome, Italy. Picture this, a Pope on trial. He sits at the front of the courtroom in a tall-backed golden throne, encrusted with jewels and towering over his accusers in a silent display of power. While the prosecutor rants and paces, he sits motionless, staring straight ahead, unconcerned by the proceedings and unimpressed by the charges laid against him. One after the other. His papal crown is on his head. TIMELINE 1076: in a move that crippled the power of the English king. 1820: in the Italian city of Firenze. 1851: she trained at Kaiserwerth Institute in Germany, one of the few places that would accept a lady of her class. 1854: in a makeshift army hospital perched above the Bosphorus Strait. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Rome is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 20 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy