v37_0188 - ITALY - SIENA - MONTALCINO - HENRY II Parpaillole 1557 Montalcino

ITALY - SIENA - MONTALCINO - HENRY II

(1556-1559)

In 1552, the Sienese revolted against the authority of Charles-Quint and the Republicans placed themselves under the authority of the King of France after driving out the Spanish troops. Henri II, hereditary enemy of the Emperor, sent Marshal Blaise de Montluc (1502-1577) to support the city. Siena found itself besieged by the Spaniards from 1553 to 1555 and the Marshal was forced to capitulate and retire to Montalcino with part of the population who preferred exile to Spanish rule. For four years, from 1556 to 1559, species of gold, silver and billon were minted in Montalcino in the Sienese type with Henry II as protector. The fate of the French was settled by the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis.