Pazzi Conspiracy
The Turks Invade Italy
That was in March 1480. In August, a massive Turkish army landed in Otranto, on the southeast coast of Italy, killing thousands and taking ten thousand as slaves. King Ferrante had to pull Duke Alfonso out of Siena and the Pope had to raise forces to meet this terrifying threat. Florence was forgotten and indeed for a time it seemed all Italy would need to be mobilized. The memory of Constantinople was still quite fresh.
The pope found himself without allies and with a war no one wanted. As a result, Sixtus let it be known that Lorenzo no longer needed to come in person. In December, a delegation of twelve citizens appeared before the papal throne and begged forgiveness on behalf of the city. Sixtus had to pretend that this was sufficient humiliation.
