In "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, there are alarming reports from Rome detailing the chaos unleashed by the Emperor's unpaid Spanish and German soldiers. These troops, frustrated with their lack of compensation, have taken to looting the city, helping themselves to treasures and vandalizing priceless artworks. Their actions reflect a deep unrest as they roam the streets in stolen garments, committing heinous acts against the innocent and leaving destruction in their wake.

This tumultuous scene highlights the soldiers' brutality, as they not only pillage but also commit sexual violence, assaulting the women of Rome. Some even desecrate sacred relics, with a common soldier boasting of attaching the head of a lance that pierced Christ to his weapon. This vivid portrayal of the soldiers' rebellion against authority illustrates the deep societal rifts and the desperate state of the empire.