The Borgias or Borjas were a Spanish-Italian noble family who became prominent during the Renaissance. They are remembered today for their corrupt rule when one of them was Pope. The Borgias have been accused of many different crimes, generally on considerable evidence, including adultery, simony, theft, rape, bribery, incest, and murder (especially murder by poison).
Rodrigo, a cunning intriguer, was elected Pope in 1492, taking the name Alexander VI. He had several acknowledged children, of which Lucrezia and Cesare were best known.
Cesare, with his father's backing, tried to become the ruler of Italy. But in 1503, Pope Alexander died suddenly. (It was said that he and Cesare accidentally drank a bottle of their own poisoned wine.) Cesare's intrigues collapsed, and he went off to Spain.
Lucrezia was also rumored to be a notorious poisoner. Later historians have thought she was her family's tool and victim, though. She married three times, and after the fall of her father and brother, remained the respected consort of the Duke of Ferrara.
Saint Francis Borgia was a grandson of Rodrigo through another son, Giovanni. After a career in the service of the kings of Spain, he entered the priesthood and became a Jesuit. He eventually rose to be the third Father General of the order.
 Cesare Borgia. Portrait by Altobello Melone. Bergamo |
 Giovanni de Candia Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia. |
 Juan Castellar y de Borja |
|
Contents |
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and their lurid career has inspired numerous novels, plays, operas, and films. References to the Borgias in popular culture are numerous.
|
|
Top topics
Wikis
Quiz
Misc
Search
