The name Borgia is synonymous with the corruption, nepotism, and greed that were rife in Renaissance Italy. The powerful, voracious Rodrigo Borgia, better known to history as Pope Alexander VI, was the central figure of the dynasty. Two of his seven papal offspring also rose to power and fame--Lucrezia Borgia, his daughter, whose husband was famously murdered by her brother, and that brother, Cesare, who served as the model for Machiavelli's The Prince. Notorious for seizing power, wealth, land, and titles through bribery, marriage, and murder, the dynasty's dramatic rise from its Spanish roots to its occupation of the highest position in Renaissance society forms a gripping tale. Erudite, witty, and insightful, Hibbert removes the layers of myth around the Borgia family and creates a portrait alive with his sense of character and place.--From publisher description.
The crumbling city -- Elections and celebrations -- A man of endless virility -- Servant of the servant of God -- Marriages and alliances -- The French in Rome -- The conquest of Naples -- The Borgia Bull -- Father and children -- The Dominican friar -- Murder -- Another husband for Lucrezia -- The unwanted Cardinal's hat -- Cesare's French bride -- Conquests -- Jubilee -- Duke of the Romagna -- The Naples Campaign -- The Duke and the Borgia girl -- Frolics and festivities -- The new bride -- Castles and condottieri -- The death of the Pope -- Conclaves -- Cesare at bay -- Duchess of Ferrara -- The end of the affair -- The Death of the Duchess -- Saints and sinners.