Borgia Family - The Complete History of the Renaissance’s Most Notorious Dynasty Documentary

Name: Borgia Family - The Complete History of the Renaissance’s Most Notorious Dynasty Documentary
Uploaded: 2026-02-02T20:04:56.000Z
Duration: 1 h 50 min 42 s

The Treaty of Toresas and the Borgias

Overview of the Treaty

The Treaty of Toresas was signed on June 7, 1494, between Spain and Portugal, dividing the world beyond Europe.

It was based on a papal bull from Pope Alexander VI, who had familial interests influencing his decisions.

The Borgia Family Background

The Borgias were not originally Italian; they hailed from Bora in Spain's Kingdom of Aragon.

Their surname evolved from "de Borha" to "Borgia," reflecting their geographic origins.

Historical Context and Rise to Power

Juan Domingo de Borgia founded the influential branch of the family in Italy during the 15th century.

Alonso de Borgia played a crucial role in bridging Spanish and Italian politics through his diplomatic efforts.

Political Landscape of Late Medieval Italy

Division of Italy

By the 14th century, Italy was fragmented into numerous city-states due to historical conflicts and external interventions.

Major powers included Naples, Papal States, Venice, Florence, Genoa, and Milan alongside smaller duchies like Ferrara and Urbino.

Aragon's Influence

The Kingdom of Aragon intervened in Sicily during the War of Sicilian Vespers (1282), establishing control over southern Italy by securing Naples as well by 1442.

Alonso de Borgia's Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Born on December 31, 1378, Alonso studied law at the University of Lleida while also taking holy orders to enhance his social standing.

Diplomatic Achievements

He became chief secretary to King Alfonso V at age 37 amidst a significant schism within the Catholic Church involving multiple popes. His diplomatic skills helped resolve church divisions leading to his appointment as Bishop of Valencia in 1429.

Cardinalship and Legacy

In 1444 at age 65, he became a cardinal after establishing new diplomatic channels between Pope Eugene IV and Aragon’s administration in southern Italy while adapting his family's name spelling during this period in Rome.

Papal Transition and the Rise of Rodrigo de Borgia

The Death of Pope Nicholas V

On March 24, 1455, Pope Nicholas V passed away after a pontificate focused on reviving papal power post-schism and witnessing the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453.

Election of Pope Sixtus III

Cardinal Visarion, a Greek scholar, was an early candidate for pope but faced prejudice due to his Eastern background. The conclave opted for Alonso de Borgia as a compromise candidate.

Alonso de Borgia became Pope Sixtus III at age 76 and served until August 6, 1458. His tenure aimed at uniting Christendom for a crusade against the Ottomans.

Challenges During Sixtus III's Papacy

Despite efforts to rally Christian kingdoms against Ottoman threats in the Balkans, divisions among European powers hindered success.

A myth arose that Sixtus excommunicated Halley's Comet in 1456; this was fabricated two decades later. He did elevate his nephew Rodrigo de Borgia to cardinal status.

Nepotism and Corruption in Renaissance Italy

Sixtus' decision to make Rodrigo a cardinal at just 25 years old exemplified nepotism common in Renaissance Italy; similar instances included Pope Leo X being made cardinal at age 13.

Rodrigo de Borgia was born around 1431; his uncle played a significant role in his upbringing and career advancement within the church.

Rodrigo's Life and Ambitions

After becoming pope, Sixtus transferred many positions to his nephews, including making Rodrigo bishop of Valencia and later archbishop.

Rodrigo led a scandalous life as a cardinal with numerous mistresses; he fathered several children, notably Cesare (1475), Giovanni (1476/77), Lucrezia (1480), and Joffre (1481).

Controversies Surrounding Rodrigo's Offspring

Historians generally accept that Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia, and Joffre were legitimate children of Rodrigo; however, there are fringe theories regarding their paternity.

Uncertainty surrounds other potential offspring like Girolama and an unnamed boy nicknamed "the infant Romanos," raising questions about their parentage.

Pursuit of Papacy by Rodrigo de Borgia

Early ambitions led Rodrigo to seek the papacy after Pope Sixtus IV died in 1484 but faced strong competition from Giuliano della Rovere.

Inconclusive support during conclaves resulted in Giovanni Battista Chigi being elected as Pope Innocent VI instead.

Corruption During Subsequent Conclave Elections

The conclave following Innocent VI’s death saw rampant corruption with bribes influencing votes amidst political tensions over Naples between France and Aragon.

Papal Politics and the Rise of Alexander VI

The Election of Pope Alexander VI

A conclave lasting six days resulted in the election of Rodrigo Borgia, who took the name Alexander VI, after three rounds of voting where 15 votes were needed for a two-thirds majority.

Cardinal Jambatista Orsini played a crucial role in securing support for Borgia's election, leading to significant rewards including a palace and castles.

Temporal Power of the Papacy

Alexander VI was not only a religious leader but also a temporal ruler over substantial territories in Italy, contrasting with today's Vatican City.

The papal state during this period was a major power between Naples and Florence, influencing political dynamics across Renaissance Italy.

Political Maneuvering and Family Interests

As pope, Alexander sought to form marital alliances for his children akin to royal monarchs, reflecting the intertwining of religion and politics.

His extensive patronage mirrored that of other ruling families like the Medici, focusing on expanding family influence within church positions.

Nepotism and Church Corruption

Alexander's promotion of family members into high church positions exemplified nepotism; Chisare became bishop at an unqualified young age.

This practice contributed to widespread perceptions of corruption within the papacy, as many appointments lacked merit or qualification.

Impact on European Sentiment Towards the Church

The actions taken by popes like Alexander VI fostered resentment across Europe towards church corruption, setting the stage for future reform movements.

Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation in 1517 can be traced back to long-standing grievances against such practices within the Catholic Church.

Expansionist Policies and Global Influence

Shortly after becoming pope, Alexander sent his son Javanni Boura to Spain to strengthen their family's political position amid significant historical events like Columbus' discovery.

Through strategic proclamations (papal bulls), he aimed to ensure that Spain and Portugal emerged as dominant powers under church influence during overseas explorations.

Treaty of Tordesillas

The Treaty established territorial claims: Spain controlled lands west of a designated line while Portugal held sway eastward. This agreement significantly shaped colonial dynamics influenced by papal authority.

Claiming Territories: The Treaty of Tordesillas and Its Implications

The Treaty of Tordesillas and Colonial Claims

The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain to claim Brazil based on its location east of the demarcation line, a situation unforeseen in 1494.

While the treaty prevented hostilities between Spain and Portugal, Italy faced wars during Pope Alexander VI's reign due to French ambitions in Naples.

The Italian Wars: A Power Struggle

King Charles VII of France initiated the Italian Wars by invading northern Italy in 1494, aiming for dominance over Milan, leading to prolonged conflict until 1559.

The power dynamics shifted as France and Spain became dominant forces over smaller Italian city-states, creating a precarious diplomatic environment.

Pope Alexander VI's Diplomatic Maneuvering

Alexander VI navigated complex alliances while maintaining a facade of neutrality; he permitted armies to pass through Papal territories peacefully.

His strategy aimed to avoid disasters like the sack of Rome under Pope Clement III by managing military movements diplomatically.

Exploiting Chaos for Expansion

Despite portraying neutrality, all Italian city-states sought advantages from the chaos post-invasion; Florence temporarily overthrew the powerful Medici family amid this turmoil.

Alexander VI attempted to expand Papal influence using Cesare Borgia as his proxy amidst fragmented regional powers in northeastern Italy.

Cesare Borgia's Rise and Influence on Political Thought

In 1498, Cesare Borgia allied with France and began establishing principalities with papal support while appearing independent.

His conquests included titles such as Duke of Valentino; he expanded control across central Italy, influencing political narratives during his time.

Machiavelli’s Observations on Leadership

Niccolò Machiavelli was influenced by Borgia’s actions while serving as a diplomat in Florence; he noted how ruthless leadership could stabilize regions amidst chaos.

Machiavelli cited Borgia’s strategic decisions in "The Prince," emphasizing that cruelty could be justified if it led to long-term peace and loyalty among subjects.

Conclusion: Legacy of Ruthlessness

Although viewed as mercenary-like, Machiavelli considered Borgia a skilled leader who could have excelled given more time; his daughter Lucretzia also played significant roles within these power dynamics.

Lucretzia Borgia: A Historical Overview

Early Life and Marriages

Historians debate Lucretzia's birth year, but evidence suggests she was born in 1480. This means she was only 13 when she married Giovanni Sportza in June 1493.

Giovanni Sportza came from a junior branch of the powerful Sforza family, which controlled Milan during much of the 15th century. Their marriage was annulled due to Giovanni's impotence.

Lucretzia married twice more after her annulment; first to Alonso of Aragon in 1498, and then to Alfonso D'Este in 1501, becoming Duchess Consort of Ferrara.

Political Influence and Family Legacy

By the mid-1500s, Lucretzia and her brother Cesare held significant political power beyond their father's papal influence. Their children also rose to prominence.

Her son Epolito became Archbishop of Milan at age ten and later a cardinal, known for controversial renovations that included dismantling parts of ancient structures for his villa.

The Papacy of Alexander VI

Pope Alexander VI's tenure (11 years) coincided with the 1,500th anniversary of Jesus Christ’s birth, although historical consensus places Jesus’ actual birth around 4 BC.

The year 1500 marked a pivotal moment for Christianity; it was celebrated with pilgrimages to Rome, creating an economic boom for the city.

Urban Development Initiatives

Accounts suggest up to 200,000 pilgrims visited Rome during this Jubilee year. Alexander VI utilized this wealth for urban revitalization efforts.

He ordered improvements in Rome’s infrastructure by clearing slums and revitalizing St. Peter’s Basilica amidst its decline compared to other Italian cities like Venice.

Artistic Patronage and Cultural Impact

As pope, Alexander VI aimed to be seen as a patron of arts and humanism but often overshadowed by successors like Pope Julius II who employed Michelangelo.

Despite being overlooked historically, Alexander commissioned notable works including frescoes by Pinturicchio that depicted significant religious themes and early representations of Native Americans.

Restoration Efforts in Rome

He commissioned Pinturicchio for various religious artworks; one notable piece restored in recent years revealed previously obscured figures believed to represent Native Americans.

Alexander also initiated reconstruction projects on city walls and sought restoration efforts on ancient monuments that had fallen into disrepair due to neglect.

Power Struggles Towards the End

In his final years, tensions arose between Alexander VI and influential Roman families such as the Orsinis and Colonas as he navigated power struggles while trying to expand control over central Italy.

The Fall of the Borgia Family

The Context of Alexander VI's Death

In the early 1500s, the Borgia family faced conflict with Chazar's mercenary soldiers, leading to arrests within powerful families by the Pope.

On August 6, 1503, both Chisare and his father fell ill after dining with Cardinal Adriano Castelllesi; while Chisare recovered, his father's health worsened.

There are theories suggesting poisoning by the Orsini family; however, symptoms were consistent with malaria, a common issue in Rome at that time.

Aftermath of Alexander VI's Death

Following Alexander's death, Chisare attempted to secure papal resources for his ambitions in East Central Italy but faced significant challenges.

The election of Pope Julius II marked a turning point as he sought to expel Chisare from acquired lands and restore order against rival factions.

Chisare Borgia’s Downfall

Julius II actively worked against Chisare’s interests, leading to his capture and eventual escape to Navarre where he resumed military campaigns.

Ultimately captured again in Spain, Chisare was killed on March 13, 1507. His life ended dramatically at just 31 years old.

Lucretzia Borgia: A Different Legacy

Lucretzia emerged as a key figure post-Borgia power decline; her story contrasts sharply with her family's aggressive tactics through marriage alliances.

Her relationships included notable figures like Francesco II Gonzaga and poet Pietro Bembo; her letters provide insight into her personal life beyond political machinations.

The Enduring Impact of Lucretzia Borgia

Despite being used politically from a young age, Lucretzia became influential in Ferrara’s cultural scene during the Renaissance.

She died shortly after childbirth at age 39; her legacy continued through her children who married into noble families across Europe.

Conclusion: The Eclipsing of the Borgias

The deaths of Alexander VI and his children signified the end of their dominance in Italian politics. Their descendants maintained noble status but without the Borgia name.

The Influence of the Boura Family in 16th Century Europe

The Boura Family's Historical Context

The Boura family, particularly notable in cities like Rome, includes influential figures such as the Medici and Barbarini families. Their legacy often overshadowed by their name not being used prominently.

Pope Innocent X (1644-1655), a descendant of Alexander VI through maternal lines, was born with the surname Pampili, illustrating the complex lineage of the Bouras.

Legacy and Descendants

Many descendants of the Boura family maintained landholdings in Spain and became significant church figures in Italy over centuries.

Francis Boura, born in 1510 and a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI, represents a shift in familial fortunes amid changing cultural dynamics within the papacy.

Impact of Religious Upheaval

Francis grew up during the Protestant Reformation (beginning 1517), which influenced his life against a backdrop of religious wars across Europe.

Key issues included corruption within the papacy, exemplified by figures like Alexander VI and subsequent popes Julius II and Leo X.

Counter-Reformation Contributions

The Council of Trent convened in 1545 to address reforms; inspired by this movement, Francis renounced his titles to join the Jesuit order after personal losses.

He became superior general of the Jesuits in 1565 and contributed to establishing educational institutions like Collagium Romanum.

Cultural Significance: Codex Boura

In the 18th century, connections emerged between the Bouras and significant manuscripts such as Codex Boura related to Mesoamerican history.

This codex is part of rare manuscripts documenting pre-Spanish conquest cultures, providing insights into Aztec civilization before its destruction.

Manuscript Acquisition and Legacy

The Codex Bouger features elaborate illustrations depicting Aztec cosmology and life stages; it serves as an invaluable resource for understanding Mesoamerican culture.

Its journey to Italy remains unclear but was owned by Italian families before being acquired by Cardinal Stefano Boura for Vatican Library preservation.

The Borges Family: A Broader Perspective

While notorious for scandals during Renaissance papacies, viewing them solely through this lens neglects their broader historical significance.

Originating from Aragon, Spain, Alonzo de Bora elevated his family's status within Renaissance politics leading to Pope Sixtus III's election in 1455.

Papal Influence on Politics

Under Alexander VI’s pontificate (1492–1503), significant events occurred including treaties that shaped political landscapes amidst rising corruption leading to reform movements post-Protestant Reformation.

The Legacy of the Borgias: Papal Corruption or Typical Aristocracy?

The Borgia Family's Influence

The discussion highlights the end of corruption associated with the 15th century, yet notes that the Borgia family remained entrenched in Italian church and aristocracy.

It raises questions about the true nature of the Borgias, pondering whether they epitomized papal corruption during the Renaissance or were simply a typical family that held power over the papal state on two occasions.