Borgia, Behind The Myth

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The history of one of the most notorious dynasties in papal history is explored in a fresh narrative by Danny Chaplin, who previously authored works on various historical subjects. This account of the Borgia dynasty does not shy away from their gruesome actions nor attempts a revisionist perspective on their infamous legacy. Emerging from relative obscurity, the Borgia family ascended to significant political and ecclesiastical power in 15th-century Italy, propelled by the careers of two popes, Calixtus III and Alexander VI. The family initially served as influential figures within the Church and European clerical politics. From the austere Pope Calixtus to the indulgent Pope Alexander (Rodrigo Borgia), this Spanish lineage from Valencia became a formidable force in Rome. Cesare Borgia, often seen as the archetype of the Renaissance prince, carved out his own domain as "Il duco Valentino," leaving a trail of conquest and destruction across central Italy. The Borgia forged alliances with various rulers, often through violent means, while navigating the rivalry between France and Spain. Their infamous acts of murder and assassination have become legendary. Five centuries later, the names Rodrigo, Cesare, Juan, and Lucrezia Borgia remain synonymous with the darker aspects of the Renaissance papacy. This meticulously-researched history re-evaluates their lives and legacy within the context of late 15th-century Italian power dynami