Il Sacco di Roma plot
Rome, 1527. Massimo Colonna is in love with Angela, a member of the Orsinis, the archenemies of the Colonnas. Since she is officially betrothed and assigned to Tancredi Serra, the latter, an untrustworthy and incredulous individual, has accused Massimo of the murder of Prince Orsini, while he himself staged everything. Massimo is disowned by an enraged Angela and banished from Rome. Meanwhile, the 'Eternal City' suffers an attack from armed armies from Spain. The Spaniards are poised to invade Rome when Massimo appears with his troops. The Spanish attackers are defeated and Massimo is hailed by the crowd as a true hero. Now he must try to clear his name, and try to marry Angela.