Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini in 1405, was the 210th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving from 1458 until his death in 1464. He was known for his humanist background and his efforts to promote education and the arts during the Renaissance. Pius II also worked to strengthen the church's authority and sought to unite Christian nations against the Ottoman Empire. During his papacy, Pius II convened the Council of Mantua in 1459, aiming to address the threat posed by the Ottomans and to promote a crusade. He was also a prolific writer, producing works that included poetry and historical accounts, reflecting his deep interest in literature and culture.