Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03

Paul IV Biography and Timeline

Follow Paul IV through 5 dated historical records for Italy.

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Paul IV, historical timeline

A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.

5Distinct records

1 of 1Page

1555–1559Years on this page

1555

Alliance Paul IV and France in persuit of his anti-Spanish policy

Pope · Religion / Roman Catholic Church

Allies with France in persuit of his anti-Spanish policy

Role range: 1555-1559

1555

Pope

Pope · Vatican · Religion / Roman Catholic Church

Appointed Pope

Role range: 1555-1559

1557

Peace

Pope · Religion / Roman Catholic Church

Makes peace with Spain after the march on Rome by the Duke of Alba

Role range: 1555-1559

1558

Grand Inquisitor Appointed

Pope · Rome · Religion / Roman Catholic Church

Paul IV appoints Michele Ghislieri as Grand Inquisitor

Role range: 1555-1559

1559

18 August 1559

Death of Paul IV

Pope · Rome · Religion / Roman Catholic Church

Paul IV dies after a severe and controversial pontificate

Role range: 1555-1559

Records, sources and methodology

These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.