Skip to main content

History of Vatican City

Author:
Video Rating:
TV-PG
Video Duration:
2:24

In the 16th century, the pope ruled over a vast area of Italy called the Papal States.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

Did you know the Vatican is the smallest nation-state in the world? Get all the facts and figures.

Vatican City

The Vatican Archives hold some unexpected papal correspondence.

Inside The Vatican Archives

Saint Peter's Basilica is built upon what some historians believe to be Saint Peter's ancient remains.

History of Saint Peter's Basilica

It's densely populated and filled with the world's most iconic landmarks. Learn some facts and figures behind "the city that never sleeps."

New York City

The K-25 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was built to enrich uranium for the atomic bomb.

Secret Atomic City in Tennessee

The first Boston Marathon is run, the shot heard around the world is coined in the Ralph Waldo Emerson poem, Concord Hymn, Grace Kelly becomes Princess Grace of Monaco, and Pope Benedict is elected in This Day in History video. The date is April 19th. Actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and became the sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival.

This Day In History: 04/19/1995 - Oklahoma City Bombing