Election of Pope Alexander III and Antipope Victor IV

Cardinal Rolando Bandinelli was elected Pope Alexander III, leading to significant religious turmoil as Cardinal Octaviano Monticelli was concurrently proclaimed Antipope Victor IV. This event occurred amidst a backdrop of political strife between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, specifically concerning the Investiture Controversy, where the authority of the Pope was heavily contested. The simultaneous elections highlighted internal division within the Church, setting the stage for power struggles that would shape the religious landscape of Europe for years to come.