 Lacking bombard artillery, but armed with slings, (trebuchet), the hilltop city withstood the attack for five weeks until Martinengo and Châtre withdrew, finding the rebellious fortress too difficult to capture.Another attack against Sancerre was tried in 1568 but the troops were forced the withdraw when confronted by the garrison.Following the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre on August 24, 1572 many Protestants fled to the hilltop stronghold.