1516
Returns to Florence. Commissioned to erect the facade of the Medici Church of San Lorenzo in Florence. Signs third contract for the tomb of Pope Julius II.

1521
Death of Pope Leo X. Begins work on the tombs for the Medici Chapel.

1527-1530
The Last Republic in Florence Commission to carve a Hercules (never executed). Michelangelo designs and builds fortifications.

C. 1530
Carves Apollo / David.

1534
Death Pope Clement VII. Election of Alessandro Farnese as Pope Paul III. Michelangelo leaves Florence, never to return. Medici Madonna and victory left incomplete in Florentine workshop. Spends the remaining 30 years of his life in Rome.

1536
Begins painting the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. Meets Vittoria Colonna.

1541
Last Judgment completed and unveiled.

1545
Tomb of Julius II completed and installed in San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome.

1547
Death of Vittoria Colonna. Begins work on the Florentine Pietà for his own tomb (abandoned c. 1555)

1559-1560
Designs for San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Rome.

1561
Commissions for the Porta Pia and Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome.

1564
February 18, dies at home in Macel de Corvi, Rome.