Borgia family biography outline

The Borgia family of the Renaissance went down in history because it produced two popes but also because of its power, ambition, influence, and reputation for decadence and corruption. Originally from Spain, the Borgia family came to prominence in Italy thanks to its first pope, Callistus III, who elevated his nephew Rodrigo to a cardinal.

Rodrigo went on to become Pope Alexander VI and with the help of his family navigated the murky world of Italian and European politics with aplomb. As pope, Rodrigo showed considerable diplomatic skill and exhibited courage when faced with a French invasion of Italy. The feats and tactics of Rodrigo and his offspring have been portrayed by 19th century historians onwards as those of a ruthless family capable of murder, bribery, incest and poisoning.

However, in recent years, historians have begun to revise their opinions of the dynasty, asserting that contemporary rivals spread malicious rumours and propaganda against the family, which have entered the popular consciousness as fact. In some cases, it is unlikely the truth will ever be known.

Borgia family tree

He declared the French heroine posthumously innocent and a martyr, opening the way for her to become a saint centuries later. Born in Spain, Rodrigo Borgia — studied law in Bologna. The advent of his uncle Alfonso as pope boded well for the young Rodrigo, who was quickly made a cardinal. Despite being a man of the cloth, he had longstanding affairs with two women, Vanozza Catanei and then Giulia Farnese, both of whom had children by him and had marriages of convenience.