Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Jenny Estrada

2024-02-10T17:39:55Z

Jdurbo:

{{Current event|death}}
{{Short description|Ecuadorian writer and journalist (1940–2024)}}
[[File:SESIÓN NO. 540 DEL PLENO DE LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL, GUAYAQUIL 09 DE OCTUBRE DE 2018 (43398368020) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Jenny María Estrada Ruiz (2018)]]
'''Jenny María Estrada Ruiz''' (21 June 1940 – 9 February 2024) was an Ecuadorian writer and journalist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danielagallardo.wordpress.com/2010/01/24/periodismo-en-ecuador-y-loja/|title=Periodismo en Ecuador y Loja|work=CAMINANDO Y CONTANDO|accessdate=11 October 2014}}</ref>

==Life and career==
Estrada studied at "La Inmaculada" high school in Guayaquil and worked for the publication "El Universo".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eluniverso.com/2007/09/01/0001/262/25A247A75B184E59BF17243B453DFB8C.html|title=Reconocimiento para Jenny Estrada - SEP. 01, 2007 - Cultura - Historicos - EL UNIVERSO|publisher=|accessdate=11 October 2014}}</ref> She died on 9 February 2024, at the age of 83.<ref>[https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/2024/02/09/ha-muerto-jenny-estrada/ Ha muerto Jenny Estrada] {{in lang|es}}</ref>

==Works==
* ''Las mujeres de Guayaquil, siglo XVI al XX (1972)''
* ''Personajes y circunstancias''
* ''Matilde Hidalgo de Prócel, una mujer total (1981)''
* ''Mujeres de Guayaquil (1984)''
* ''La epopeya del Aviso Atahualpa (1990)''
* ''Ancón en la historia petrolera ecuatoriana: 1911 - 1976''
* ''El montubio''
* ''Los italianos de Guayaquil''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[[:es:Jenny Estrada|"Jenny Estrada"]], ''Spanish Wikipedia''
*{{in lang|es}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110713101836/http://jennyestradaruiz.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage Author's website]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Estrada, Jenny}}
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Ecuadorian women writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Ecuadorian women writers]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian journalists]]
[[Category:Writers from Guayaquil]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian women journalists]]

{{Ecuador-writer-stub}}
{{ecuador-journalist-stub}}

Frida Torresblanco

2023-08-21T05:10:39Z

Jdurbo: /* Early life and career */

{{pp|small=yes}}

'''Frida Torresblanco''' is a film, television, and documentary producer based in New York City. She has produced ''[[The Dancer Upstairs]]'', ''[[The Assassination of Richard Nixon]]'', ''[[Disobedience (2003 film)|Disobedience]]'' and ''[[Pan’s Labyrinth]]''. In 2002, Torresblanco launched a New York-based film production company, Esperanto Filmoj, in partnership with [[Alfonso Cuarón]]. She produced ''[[Cronicas]]'', ''[[The Possibility of Hope]]'' and ''[[Rudo y Cursi]]''.

== Early life and career ==

Torresblanco graduated from The Complutense University in [[Madrid]], where she completed degrees in both literature and film, specializing in post-production and new media. While still a student, she began working as an assistant director, line producer, and finally as a producer. She later joined Lolafilms as head of international productions in English, including ''[[The Dancer Upstairs]]'' (directed by [[John Malkovich]]) and [[Susan Seidelman]]’s ''[[Gaudi Afternoon]]'' (starring [[Marcia Gay Harden]]. Torresblanco worked with Spanish directors including [[Carlos Saura]], [[Fernando Trueba]], [[Manuel Iborra]], and [[Emilio Martinez Lazaro]].{{fact|date=July 2023}}

In 2002, Torresblanco moved to New York City to launch a film production company [[Esperanto Filmoj]]. She served as Executive Producer and Creative On-Set Producer for ''[[The Assassination of Richard Nixon]]'' and ''[[Cronicas]]''. She also produced ''[[The Possibility of Hope]]'' and ''[[Rudo y Cursi]]'', the latter of which premiered at the 2009 [[Sundance Film Festival]].{{fact|date=July 2023}}

She co-produced ''[[Pan’s Labyrinth]].<ref name=ab>{{Cite web |last=Feb 1 |first=Jen CarlsonPublished |last2=Mar 7 |first2=2008Modified |last3=2008Share |date=2008-02-01 |title=Pan's Labyrinth Producer is an Abuser? |url=https://gothamist.com/news/empans-labyrinthem-producer-is-an-abuser |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Gothamist |language=en}}</ref> ''In 2006, the film won three [[Academy Awards]], three [[BAFTAs]] and a [[Golden Globe]].{{fact|date=July 2023}}

In 2008 she was taken to court for allegedly abusing one of her domestic staff.<ref name=ab/> She was said to have required long hours and she paid the nanny $12,000 a year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-03-28 |title="Pan's Labyrinth" Producer Sued By Nanny For Abuse |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pans-labyrinth-producer-s_n_84418 |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}}</ref>

In 2010, Torresblanco launched a film production company named Braven Films. The company’s first film, ''[[Magic Magic (2013 film)|Magic Magic]]'', was a psychological thriller released in 2013. Braven Films also released ''[[Disobedience (2003 film)|Disobedience]]'', an adaptation of [[Naomi Alderman]]’s novel.

== Filmography ==

* 1992 ''[[Christopher Columbus: The Discovery]]''
* 2001 ''[[Gaudi Afternoon]]''
* 2001 ''[[Girl from Rio (2001 film)|Girl from Rio]]''
* 2001 ''[[Rain (2001 film)|Rain]]''
* 2001 ''[[Off Key]]''
* 2002 ''[[The Dancer Upstairs]]''
* 2004 ''[[Temporada de patos|Duck Season]]''
* 2004 ''[[Crónicas]]''
* 2004 ''[[The Assassination of Richard Nixon]]''
* 2005 ''[[Black Sun (2005 film)|Black Sun]]''
* 2006 ''[[Pan's Labyrinth]]''
* 2007 ''[[The Possibility of Hope]]''
* 2007 ''[[The Shock Doctrine]]''
* 2007 ''[[Year of the Nail]]''
* 2008 ''[[Rudo y Cursi]]''
* 2010 ''[[Locked In (film)|Locked In]]''
* 2013 ''[[Magic Magic (2013 film)|Magic Magic]]''
* 2019 ''[[Boléro]]''
* 2020 ''[[The Roads Not Taken]]''
* 2020 ''[[Karnawal]]''
* 2020 ''[[Fatima]]''
* 2020 ''[[Greencard]]''
* 2021 ''[[Man in the Attic]]''

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Torresblanco, Frida}}
[[Category:Spanish film producers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci

2022-07-17T03:50:06Z

Jdurbo: /* Selected partner universities */

{{Infobox university
| image =
| name = Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci
| native_name = Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci
| motto = ''Dépassez vos frontières''
| type = [[Grande écoles|Grande école de commerce et de management]] ([[Private university|Private]] [[Research university|research]] [[university]] [[Business school]])
| established = {{start date and age|1995}}
| location = [[La Défense|Paris La Défense]]
| colors = Green and Black {{Color box|Green|border=darkgray}} {{Color box|Black}}
| president = Sébastien Tran
| students = 3,000 students
|accreditation = [[European Foundation for Management Development|EFMD]] ; [[Association of MBAs|AMBA]] ; [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|AACSB]]
| academic_affiliations = [[Conférence des grandes écoles]];
| language = English & French
| website = {{url|https://www.emlv.fr}}
}}

'''EMLV (Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci) – the Leonard de Vinci Business School Paris-La Defense''' – is a business school in Paris located at the [[Pôle universitaire Léonard-de-Vinci]] in [[La Defense]], the main business district of Paris. It delivers a 5-year program and is accredited by the French government and recognized at the European level by [[ENQA]]. The Pôle Universitaire Léonard De Vinci campus also includes a school of engineering ([[ESILV]]) and an international school of multimedia (IIM).<ref>[http://www.iim.fr/ IIM website]</ref>

==Programmes==

=== Master in Management ===

The MiM (Grande Ecole Programme) is [[EFMD]]-Master accredited and geared towards fresh graduates and young professionals wishing to enhance their career in business.

=== MBA ===

EMLV [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] is an intensive 1-year programme distinguished by AMBA accreditation, the highest standard of achievement in higher education earned only by the most prestigious programmes at worldwide level.

=== MSc Supply Chain Management ===

The [[MSc]] Supply Chain Management is a 1-year programme and aims to develop advanced technical skills and places value on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principals and latest engineering industrial trends taught at ESILV.

=== MSc Digital Business Analytics ===

The MSc Digital Business Analytics explores the various applications of data in our daily life. Societies and economies across the world require specialists in the use of digital analytics to improve the states of businesses.

=== MSc International Business ===

The MSc International Business educates students in best business practices in an international business environment.

=== MSc International Finance & Asset Management ===

The MSc International Finance & Asset Management will provide students with practical expertise in key domains of finance, a fast-paced environment in constant evolution.

==Leadership==
Pascal Brouaye is the director of the University. The director of the Management School is Sebastien Tran.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lara Marlowe |title=John Dowling, Irish teacher killed in Paris, was 'profoundly kind' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/john-dowling-irish-teacher-killed-in-paris-was-profoundly-kind-1.3721583 |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=The Irish Times |date=6 December 2018 |quote=Pascal Brouaye, the director of the university, told journalists [...] The director of the management school, Sebastien Tran, said he knew}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aude Bariéty |title=La Défense : a teacher killed in front of his school by a former student |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2018/12/05/01016-20181205ARTFIG00169-la-defense-un-enseignant-tue-devant-son-etablissement.php |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=[[Le Figaro]] |date=5 December 2012 |language=French |quote=et Sébastien Tran, le directeur de l'EMLV, l'école de management, ont indiqué que l'agresseur présumé était un ancien élève «d'origine étrangère». Âgé de 37 ans, ce dernier est de nationalité pakistanaise.}}</ref>

The founder is Charles Pasqua, who organized the University in 1995.<ref>{{cite news |title=Courbevoie: shock after the death of a professor |url=https://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/ce-que-l-on-sait-du-meurtre-du-professeur-a-courbevoie_2052086.html |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=[[L'Express]] |agency=Agence France Presse - AFP |date=6 December 2018 |language=French |quote=Depuis sa création par Charles Pasqua en 1995}}</ref>

==International orientation and partner universities==

The EMLV program places an emphasis on student exposure to real case studies with businesses by providing consulting services to the school's business partners. With more than 100 international partners welcoming its students in exchange programs,<ref>[http://www.emlv.fr/international/universites-partenaires/ De Vinci Business School Partner Universities]</ref> students are also encouraged to study abroad to enhance their cross-cultural understanding and linguistic skills.

===Selected partner universities===
* [[University of Malaga]]
* [[Vilnius University]]
* [[MCI Management Center Innsbruck]]
* [[University of Genova]]
* [[London South Bank University]]
* [[Coventry University]]
* [[Long Island University]]
* [[State University of New York at Old Westbury]]
* [[University of Quebec]] (UQAC)
* [[British Columbia Institute of Technology]], Vancouver
* [[Beijing Jiaotong University]]

==Placement==
The graduates of EMLV work in all the major sectors, including:
* [[Auditing]] and [[Management consulting|consulting]] (20%)
* Finance, insurance, and [[Managerial finance|financial management]] (25%)
* [[Luxury goods]] (8%)
* Press, media, and communication – including [[new media]] (23%)
* International business, export, and sales (24%)

==2018 murder of Professor Dowling==
Professor John Dowling was stabbed after class 13 times<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/murdered-lecturer-john-dowling-would-hate-le-pen-s-reaction-fs9plz9h6|title = Murdered lecturer John Dowling 'would hate le Pen's reaction'}}</ref> by a former management student for "insulting Islam".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peter Allen |title=Tragic John Dowling 'insulted Prophet Mohammed' before being murdered, killer claims |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/world-news/john-dowling-paris-stabbing-murder-13699636 |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=The Irish Mirror |date=7 December 2018 |quote=Irish lecturer John Dowling had allegedly ‘insulted the Prophet Mohammed' beforebeing murdered in cold blood outside the Paris university where he taught, his killer has told French police}}</ref> The suspect had enrolled in the Management School in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lara Marlowe |title=John Dowling, Irish teacher killed in Paris, was 'profoundly kind' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/john-dowling-irish-teacher-killed-in-paris-was-profoundly-kind-1.3721583 |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=The Irish Times |date=6 December 2018 |quote=The suspected killer enrolled in the management school in September 2016}}</ref> [[Frédérique Vidal]], France's Minister of Higher Education, declared "indignation" because of the killing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arrest after Irishman John Dowling stabbed to death in Paris |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46456841 |access-date=8 December 2018 |work=BBC |date=6 December 2018 |quote=French Higher Education Minister Frédérique Vidal posted on Twitter that there was indignation at the killing.}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.emlv.fr/ Official web site]

{{coord|48|53|46|N|2|14|10|E|type:edu_source:kolossus-frwiki|display=title}}

{{Conférence des Grandes Écoles}}
{{Union of Independent Grandes Écoles}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ecole De Management Leonard De Vinci}}
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Paris]]
[[Category:Business schools in France]]

Category:House of Borgia

2021-08-08T17:28:21Z

Jdurbo:

{{Commons category|House of Borgia}}

The [[House of Borgia]], spelled ''Borja'' in Spanish.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Borgia}}
[[Category:Italian royal houses]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Papal families]]
[[Category:Families of Spanish ancestry]]
[[Category:Royalty of Italian states]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families]]

Category:House of Borgia

2021-08-08T17:26:03Z

Jdurbo:

Category:House of Borgia

2021-08-08T17:21:54Z

Jdurbo:

Frances Olsen

2021-06-28T22:12:05Z

Jdurbo:

'''Frances Elisabeth Olsen''' (born February 4, 1945) is a [[professor]] of [[law]] at [[UCLA]] and a noted member of the school of [[Feminist Legal Theory]]. She teaches Feminist Legal Theory, Dissidence & Law, [[Family law|Family Law]], and [[Tort]]s.<ref name="UCLA bio">[https://law.ucla.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/frances-elisabeth-olsen Biography on UCLA Law School website]. Referenced on July 6, 2009.</ref> Her areas of research interest include legal theory, social change, and [[feminism]].

She was born in [[Chicago, Illinois]], received a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] from [[Goddard College]] in 1968, a [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] from the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]] in 1971 (where she was the Notes and Comments Editor of the [[law review]]), and an [[S.J.D.]] from [[Harvard University]] in 1984. While in [[law school]], Olsen did [[legal aid]] work for [[Migrant_worker#United_States|migrant farm workers]] in [[Colorado]]. After law school, she was a [[law clerk]] for [[Alfred A. Arraj]], the Chief Judge of the [[United States District Court]] for the [[District of Colorado]]. In 1973, she represented [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] at [[Wounded Knee incident|Wounded Knee]]. She also established a public interest law firm in [[Denver, Colorado]] that handled feminist issues. From 1981 to 1983, while an S.J.D. student, she founded a legal academic women's group, the Fem-Crits, which spread across the country.

She has written more than 100 scholarly articles, co-authored ''Cases and Materials on Family Law: Legal Concepts and Changing Human Relationships'', and edited two collections on feminist theory.<ref name="UCLA bio"/> Her article ''The Family and the Market'', 96 Harv. L. Rev. 1497 (1983), is one of the most cited works in legal scholarship. She has taught courses in feminist legal theory at Harvard, [[Oxford]], [[Cambridge]], Berlin, Frankfurt, the [[University of Tokyo]], the [[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]], and at other universities in the [[United States]], [[Chile]], [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], and [[Israel]]. She was a Fellow at Oxford University in 1987 and is a former Overseas Fellow at [[Churchill College]], [[Cambridge University]]. She has lectured throughout the world.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Olsen, Frances}}
[[Category:American legal scholars]]
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:Goddard College alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:University of Colorado alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Law School alumni]]
[[Category:UCLA School of Law faculty]]
[[Category:Academics from Chicago]]

{{US-legal-academic-bio-stub}}

St. Gabriel College, Quito

2020-03-25T04:20:19Z

Jdurbo:

{{Infobox school
| name =St. Gabriel College, Quito ''Colegio San Gabriel''
| native_name =
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| logo = SanGabQuito.png
| motto =
| type = [[Jesuit]], [[Catholic church|Catholic]]
| status =
| gender = Coeducational
| denomination =
| affiliation =
| affiliations =

| administrator =
| assst_admin =
|rector = Hno. Guillermo Oñate
| director = Martha Peñaherrera
| president =
| principal =
| asst principal =
| dean =
| headmaster =
| staff = 176
| teaching_staff =
| enrollment = 1,491
| grades = K + 6 + 6
| tuition =
| established = {{Start date and age| 1862 }}
| streetaddress =
| city = Av. America and Mariana de Jesus [[Quito]], [[Ecuador]]
| state =
| province =
| country =
| accreditation =
| campus =
| colors =
| athletics =
| nickname =
| mascot =
| yearbook =
|publication =
| newspaper =
| national_ranking =
| free_label1 =
| free_text1 =
| free_label2 =
|free_text2 =
| free_label3 =
| free_text3 =
| website = [http://www.csgabriel.edu.ec St. Gabriel College]
| picture =
| picture_caption =
}}
'''St. Gabriel College, Quito''', [[Ecuador]], (''Colegio San Gabriel'') was founded by the [[Jesuits]] in 1862, and has grown to include pre-primary as well as six primary and six secondary years.

In 1862 President [[Gabriel Garcia Moreno]] brought the [[Jesuits]] to Ecuador and restored to them the National School in Quito, which they had run in colonial times under the name San Luis, in the heart of old Quito. They renamed the school San Gabriel.{{fact|date=February 2019}} It was still subsidized by the state, until 1901 when the liberal government forced its privatization.{{fact|date=February 2019}} In 1958 it moved to its new facilities on America Avenue in the north of the city.{{fact|date=February 2019}} In 2011, San Gabriel opened a coeducational primary unit, beginning with the first grade.{{fact|date=February 2019}}

==Notable staff==
* [[Fausto Oswaldo Sarmiento]] - environmentalist<ref>Nicholas Polunin, ed. ''World Who Is Who and Does What in Environment and Conservation''. London:Earthscan (1997), p.287. {{ISBN|978-1-84971-005-3}}.</ref>
* [[Jaime Nebot]]
* [[José María Velasco Ibarra]]

==See also==
*[[Catholic Church in Ecuador]]
*[[Education in Ecuador]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Coord|0|11|4.39|S|78|29|44.54|W|display=title}}
{{Subject bar |portal1= Schools |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= Ecuador}}

[[Category:Jesuit secondary schools]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1862]]
[[Category:Secondary schools in Quito]]
[[Category:Private schools in Ecuador]]

Jo-Anne McArthur

2018-12-27T05:19:52Z

Jdurbo: /* We Animals */

{{Infobox person
| name = Jo-Anne McArthur
| image = Jo-Anne McArthur, Canadian photojournalist (photo by Lesley Marino).jpg
| alt = 
| caption =
| birth_name = 
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|12|23}}
| birth_place = [[Ottawa]], [[Ontario]]
| death_date = 
| death_place =
| nationality = Canadian
| other_names =
| occupation = Photojournalist and activist
| years_active =
| known_for = We Animals
| notable_works =
| website = [http://www.joannemcarthur.com/ Jo-Anne McArthur] [http://weanimals.org/ We Animals] [http://humaneeducation.ca/ Humane Education]
}}

'''Jo-Anne McArthur''' (born December 23, 1976) is a Canadian [[photojournalism|photojournalist]], humane educator, [[animal rights activism|animal rights activist]] and author. She is known for her We Animals project, a photography project documenting human relationships with animals. Through the We Animals Humane Education program, McArthur offers presentations about human relationships with animals in educational and other environments, and through the We Animals Archive, she provides photographs and other media for those working to help animals.

McArthur was the primary subject of the 2013 documentary ''[[The Ghosts in Our Machine]]'', directed by [[Liz Marshall]], and with Keri Cronin, she is the founder of the Unbound Project, which aims to celebrate and recognize female animal activists. Her first book, ''We Animals'', was published in 2013, and her second, ''Captive'', was published in 2017. McArthur has been awarded a range of commendations for her photography and activism, including the 2018 [[Wildlife Photographer of the Year]] People's Choice award.

==Photography==
McArthur was raised in [[Ottawa]], [[Ontario]], and studied Geography and English at the [[University of Ottawa]].<ref name="This">{{cite web|title= Social Justice All-Star: Jo-Anne McArthur|author= Domingo, Nadya|url= https://this.org/2015/01/28/social-justice-all-star-jo-anne-mcarthur/|magazine=[[This (Canadian magazine)|This]]|date=28 January 2015|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref> She decided to pursue photography after taking an elective course on black-and-white photography at university.<ref name="Laika">{{cite news|title=The Witness: Photographer Jo-Anne McArthur|url= http://www.laikamagazine.com/the-witness-photographer-jo-anne-mcarthur/|date=30 January 2013|author=Gueraseva, Julie|website= Laika Magazine|accessdate= 2 January 2016}}</ref> She originally entered photography motivated by [[art]]istry, but her motives subsequently changed, and she instead came to see her camera as her "tool for creating change". Her earlier work photographing animals was in the genre of [[street photography]], but she now increasingly photographs captive animals, sometimes while undercover.<ref name="Salon"/> In 2010, the trauma of her work led to her being diagnosed with [[post-traumatic stress disorder]], though she has since recovered. Her photographs are sometimes published anonymously.<ref name="This"/>

Her work has been published in a variety of media, including the Canadian version of the lifestyle magazine ''[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]'', the German news magazine ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', and the American tourism magazine ''[[National Geographic Traveler]]''. In addition, her photographs have been used by over 100 animal advocacy organizations<ref>{{cite web|title=Jo-Anne McArthur |url=http://www.reduxpictures.com/Photographer/Jo-Anne-McArthur/bio |publisher=Redux Pictures |accessdate=10 January 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318000915/http://www.reduxpictures.com/Photographer/Jo-Anne-McArthur/bio |archivedate=18 March 2015 |df= }}</ref> and in academic work on human-animal relationships.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Lori Gruen|Gruen, Lori]]|chapter= Dignity, Captivity, and an Ethics of Sight|title= The Ethics of Captivity|editor=Gruen, Lori|year=2014|location= Oxford and New York|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=231–47|isbn= 9780199978007}}</ref>

McArthur appeared in the top 50 of the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] Champions of Change contest,<ref>{{cite web|title= Top 50: Jo-Anne McArthur|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate= 2 January 2016|url=http://www.cbc.ca/change/2010/10/jo-anne-mcarthur.html}}</ref> and on ''[[More (magazine)|More]]''{{'s}} fourth annual "Fierce" list.<ref>{{cite web|title=MORE Magazine's 4th Annual Fierce List: 50 Inspiring Women |url=http://www.more.com/news/personalities/more-magazine-fourth-annual-fierce-list |magazine=[[More (magazine)|More]] |accessdate=2 January 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302225212/http://www.more.com/news/personalities/more-magazine-fourth-annual-fierce-list |archivedate= 2 March 2016 |df= }}</ref> She has also been awarded the [[Institute for Critical Animal Studies]]'s 2014 Media Award, and the [[Toronto Vegetarian Association]]'s 2013 Lisa Grill Compassion for Animals Award (with [[Liz Marshall]]).<ref name="This"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lisa Grill Compassion for Animals Award|publisher=[[Toronto Vegetarian Association]]|url=http://veg.ca/toronto-veg-community/lisa-grill-compassion-for-animals-award/|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref> [[Farm Sanctuary]] awarded her the 2013 "Friend of Farm Animals" award,<ref name="About We Animals"/> and listed her as one of their "Heroes of Compassion" in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jo-Anne McArthur, Hero of Compassion|publisher=Farm Sanctuary|url=https://ccc.farmsanctuary.org/jo-anne-mcarthur-hero-of-compassion/|date=August 2016|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref>

In 2018, McArthur was awarded the [[Wildlife Photographer of the Year]] People's Choice award for a photograph of Pikin, a [[lowland gorilla]] rescued from poachers by [[Ape Action Africa]], in the arms of Appolinaire Ndohoudou, a carer, while Pikin was being transported between two sanctuaries in [[Cameroon]].<ref name="BBC"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Drewett, Zoe|date=13 February 2018|title=Gorilla hugging man who saved his life picture wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award|url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/02/13/gorilla-hugging-man-saved-life-picture-wins-wildlife-photographer-year-award-7308593/|newspaper=[[Metro (UK newspaper)|Metro]]|accessdate=2 October 2018}}</ref> The photograph was selected by voters from a shortlist of 24 chosen by the [[Natural History Museum]]. McArthur said that she was "so thankful that this image resonated with people", hoping that it might "inspire us all to care a little bit more about animals ... No act of compassion towards them is ever too small."<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|title= Wildlife Photographer of the Year - People's Choice|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-43045545|publisher=BBC|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=13 February 2018}}</ref> She went on to win the Special Award of the Jury for the best single picture entry as a part of The [[Alfred Fried]] Photography Award 2018 for the same photograph. The jury were unanimous in their decision, and described the photograph by saying:

<blockquote>
Jo-Anne McArthur firmly believes that animals are individuals and have feelings. And if proof were needed she supplied it with this magnificent picture full of tenderness. A moment when it transpires that animals too know a feeling of safety and comfort, are able and willing to trust and need affection. And that they recognize when it is offered to them.<ref>https://www.friedaward.com/index.php/winners/winners-2018/pikin-and-appolinaire-w</ref>
</blockquote>

===We Animals===
McArthur conceived of the We Animals project in around 1998 after an encounter with a [[macaque monkey]] chained to a windowsill in [[Ecuador]]. She photographed the monkey as she was appalled at the treatment, and "knew that the way [she] saw our treatment of animals was important, and [she] wanted to share that point of view".<ref name="Salon">{{cite news|title= One photographer's mission to change the way we look at animals|website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|author= Abrams, Lindsay|date=28 December 2013|accessdate=2 January 2016|url=http://www.salon.com/2013/12/28/one_photographers_mission_to_change_the_way_we_look_at_animals/}}</ref> On its website, We Animals is described as:

<blockquote>an ambitious project which documents, through photography, animals in the human environment. Humans are as much animal as the sentient beings we use for food, clothing, research, experimentation, work, entertainment, slavery and companionship. With this as its premise, We Animals aims to break down the barriers that humans have built which allow us to treat non-human animals as objects and not as beings with moral significance. The objective is to photograph our interactions with animals in such a way that the viewer finds new significance in these ordinary, often unnoticed situations of use, abuse and sharing of spaces.<ref name="About We Animals">{{cite web|title= About We Animals|url= http://www.weanimals.org/about|accessdate=2 January 2016|publisher=We Animals}}</ref></blockquote>

In December 2013, ''We Animals'', a [[photobook]] by McArthur containing both text and over 100 of her photographs, was published by [[Lantern Books]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Book|publisher=We Animals|url= http://weanimals.org/book|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref> The activist [[Bruce Friedrich]], in a review published by ''[[The Huffington Post]]'', described it as "the most gorgeous book [he had] experienced in many years", one which "offers haunting sadness, [but also] intense hope".<ref>{{cite web|title= Looking Into Their Eyes: Jo-Anne McArthur's ''We Animals''|url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-friedrich/looking-into-their-eyes-j_b_5310589.html|website=[[The Huffington Post]]|author=[[Bruce Friedrich|Friedrich, Bruce]]|date= 5 December 2014|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref>

McArthur has spoken in educational institutions since 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title= About Jo-Anne|url= http://www.humaneeducation.ca/about.php|publisher= We Animals Humane Education Program|accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> In 2014, a grant was awarded to McArthur to develop the We Animals Humane Education project by The Pollination Project and the Thinking Vegan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jo-Anne McArthur, We Animals’ Humane Education Program |url=https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/jo-anne-mcarthur-we-animals-humane-education-program |publisher=The Pollination Project|accessdate=12 November 2017}}</ref> Through the We Animals Humane Education Program, McArthur offers a variety of presentations in school, university and other environments.<ref>{{cite web|title= Programs|url=http://www.humaneeducation.ca/programs|publisher=We Animals Humane Education Program|accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Services|url=http://www.humaneeducation.ca/services|publisher= We Animals Humane Education Program|accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref> The program seeks to "foster awe, curiosity and critical thinking about our relationships with animals", to "instill reverence, respect and responsibility", inspire empathy with animals, to "create gentler stewards of the earth", and to encourage people to be "agents of positive change".<ref>{{cite web|title= Why humane education?|url= http://www.humaneeducation.ca/why|publisher=We Animals Humane Education Program|accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref>

In 2017, McArthur launched the We Animals Archive, an archive of thousands of photographs and videos of animals in human-dominated environments. The Archive serves as a repository of media from the wider We Animals project that can be freely used by individuals and organizations working towards animal-protection goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.corriere.it/animali/17_marzo_30/we-animals-l-archivio-foto-che-raccontano-nostro-rapporto-gli-altri-animali-20b6d6ac-1552-11e7-9957-bbceb60275cc-bc_principale.shtml|title="We Animals", l’archivio delle foto che raccontano il nostro rapporto con gli (altri) animali|language=Italian|author=Montini, Beatrice|newspaper=[[Corriere Della Sera]]|date=2017|trans-title=We Animals, a photoarchive that tells of our relationship with the (other) animals|accessdate=6 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About We Animals|publisher=We Animals Archive|accessdate=6 November 2017|url=https://www.weanimalsarchive.org/about}}</ref>

In 2018, McArthur was noted/profiled in the book, ''Rescuing Ladybugs'' <ref>Jennifer Skiff, Rescuing Ladybugs: Inspirational Encounters with Animals That Changed the World, New World Library, 2018 </ref> by author and animal advocate [[Jennifer Skiff]] as having been inspired to start the project, We Animals, after witnessing an enslaved monkey in Banos, Ecuador. “It dawned on me at the time that if I took photos, I could share them and somehow change his situation. This was also a moment when I realized I could use my camera for change” to document “the invisibles.” <ref>Ibid. page 36 </ref>

===''Captive''===
McArthur published a second book through Lantern, entitled ''Captive'', in 2017. The book—which features contributions from the activist [[Virginia McKenna]], the philosopher [[Lori Gruen]], and Ron Kagan, of [[Detroit Zoo]]—focuses on the animals in [[zoo]]s and [[Public aquarium|aquaria]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Captive by Jo-Anne McArthur|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeLXf8T0cxU|publisher=Lantern Books|date=13 October 2016|accessdate=21 October 2016|via=[[YouTube]]|format=video}}</ref> It also contains a series of short essays by McArthur. [[Stephen F. Eisenman]] reviewed the book for ''Animal Liberation Currents'', comparing McArthur's photography with that of other zoo photographers and photographers of human [[prisons]]. He said that

<blockquote>McArthur's ''Captive'' is a powerful, visual survey of zoo animals and their physical conditions of captivity. But precisely because it examines so many different zoos and animals, its cannot provide significant insight either into the subjectivity of captive animals, or the ideological and economic function of zoological gardens. The merging of close and sustained photographic observation and detailed institutional history and critique is what is most lacking in the current generation of zoo books. That’s a worthwhile project for McArthur and her peers in the future.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Stephen F. Eisenman|Eisenman, Stephen F.]]|date=16 January 2018|title=The Averted Gaze |url=https://www.animalliberationcurrents.com/the-averted-gaze/|website=Animal Liberation Currents|accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref></blockquote>

===''The Ghosts in Our Machine''===
McArthur was the "main human subject" of the 2013 documentary film ''[[The Ghosts in Our Machine]]'', directed by [[Liz Marshall]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Cast|url=http://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/cast/|publisher= Ghost Media Inc.|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref> The film avoids the shocking imagery of many documentaries focussed on animal rights, such as ''[[Earthlings (film)|Earthlings]]'', meaning that it "takes an almost arthouse approach, resulting in a film that's more a meditation on suffering and the relationship between humans and other species, than an angry, didactic diatribe".<ref>{{cite news|title= The Ghosts in Our Machine: 'It's not a finger-wagging movie outing farmers'|author= Hawkes, Rebecca|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date= 16 July 2014|accessdate=2 January 2016|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/10970934/The-Ghosts-in-Our-Machine-Its-not-a-finger-wagging-movie-outing-farmers.html}}</ref> Writing in ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', the critic Peter Debruge said that

<blockquote>It's enough to make you sad, not for the animals (to whom human cruelty is nothing new), but for McArthur, this beautiful young woman who feels so deeply for those not of her kind that she carries their collective suffering around with her daily. What must it be like to experience PTSD after visiting dairy farms and facilities that supply primates for medical testing?<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|title=Film Review: 'The Ghosts in Our Machine'|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|author=Debruge, Peter|url= https://variety.com/2013/film/global/film-review-the-ghosts-in-our-machine-1200907262/|date=9 December 2013|accessdate=2 January 2016}}</ref></blockquote>

===Unbound Project===
With Keri Cronin, an associate professor of [[art history]] at the Department of Visual Arts at [[Brock University]], McArthur founded the Unbound Project, a multimedia and book project aiming "to recognize and celebrate women at the forefront of animal advocacy, in both a contemporary and historical context", and to "inspire our audience to do what they can to make the world a kinder, gentler place for all species".<ref>{{cite web|title=About the project|publisher=Unbound Project|accessdate=2 January 2016|url= http://www.unboundproject.org/about-the-project.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Unbound Celebrates Inspiring Women Changing the World for Animals|newspaper= Toronto Guardian|url=http://torontoguardian.com/2016/03/unbound-celebrates-inspiring-women-changing-the-world-for-animals/|author=Levy, Joel|accessdate=10 August 2016|date=8 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Brock prof gets funding for project profiling women animal rights activists|newspaper=The Brock News|date=7 March 2016|accessdate=10 August 2016|author=Majtenyi, Cathy|url=https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2016/03/brock-prof-gets-funding-for-project-profiling-women-animal-rights-activists/}}</ref> Profiled women include Aysha Akhtar, [[Elisa Aaltola]], [[Emarel Freshel]], [[Anna Laetitia Barbauld]], Carolyn Merino Mullin, Melissa Amarello, Avalon Theisen, Lumka Golintete, Piia Anttonen, [[Fanny Martin]], Raabia Hawa, Sarungbam Yaiphabi Devi, Katherine Meyer and Patty Mark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Featured stories|publisher=Unbound Project|url=http://www.unboundproject.org/featured-stories.html|accessdate=10 August 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite journal|author=Asher, Kathryn|year=2014|title= Review: ''We Animals'' (2013)|url=http://www.criticalanimalstudies.org/2014/08/jcas-volume-12-issue-3-2014/|journal=Journal for Critical Animal Studies|volume=12|issue=3|pages=122–9}}
*{{cite news|title= The Voice of Image: Exploring the Psychology of Photography|magazine=[[Psychology Today]]|author=[[Gay A. Bradshaw|Bradshaw, G. A.]]|date=13 February 2016|accessdate=14 February 2016|url= https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/bear-in-mind/201602/the-voice-image-exploring-the-psychology-photography-0}}
*{{cite news|author=Edgerton, Leah|date=25 July 2016|title=ACE Interviews: Jo-Anne McArthur|url=http://www.animalcharityevaluators.org/blog/ace-interviews-jo-anne-mcarthur/|publisher=Animal Charity Evaluators|accessdate=26 July 2016}}
*{{Cite journal|author=Johnson, Linda M.|year=2018|title=''We Animals'' by Jo-Anne McArthur|journal=[[Journal of Animal Ethics]]|volume=8|issue=1|pages=111–3|doi=10.5406/janimalethics.8.1.0111}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|www.joannemcarthur.com}}
*[http://weanimals.org We Animals]
*[http://www.unboundproject.org Unbound Project]
*[http://humaneeducation.ca We Animals Humane Education Program]
*[https://www.weanimalsarchive.org/ We Animals Archive]
*[http://mikeypod.com/2018/02/12/mikeypod-250-photojournalist-jo-anne-mcarthur/ Jo-Anne McArthur on MikeyPod Podcast]

{{Animal rights}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McArthur, Jo-Anne}}
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Canadian photojournalists]]
[[Category:Canadian women non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Animal rights activists]]
[[Category:Canadian women activists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:University of Ottawa alumni]]
[[Category:Canadian women photographers]]
[[Category:Writers from Ottawa]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T06:15:04Z

Jdurbo: /* External links */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía]] (1458 or 1460 – 1488 or 1491).
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Angela Borgia|Angela Borgia or Angela de Borja]] (c. 1486 - c. 1520–1522), lady of [[Sassuolo]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912), ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Rosa Borja de Ycaza]] (1889 – 1964), ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poetess, novelist, feminist and activist.
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.elsborja.cat/borja/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Gracia_Revista_Borja_5.pdf García Rivas, Manuel: ''Los Borja americanos: su contribución al mundo de la cultura''. Revista Borja. Centro de Estudios Borjanos. Actas del Congreso Los Borja en el arte, Nº. 5. España, 2015-2016, p. 15]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T06:10:57Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía]] (1458 or 1460 – 1488 or 1491).
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Angela Borgia|Angela Borgia or Angela de Borja]] (c. 1486 - c. 1520–1522), lady of [[Sassuolo]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912), ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Rosa Borja de Ycaza]] (1889 – 1964), ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poetess, novelist, feminist and activist.
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:58:38Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía]] (1458 or 1460 – 1488 or 1491).
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912), ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Rosa Borja de Ycaza]] (1889 – 1964), ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poetess, novelist, feminist and activist.
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:55:16Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía]] (1458 or 1460 – 1488 or 1491).
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912) Ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Rosa Borja de Ycaza]] (1889 – 1964) Ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poetess, novelist, feminist and activist.
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:47:49Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912) Ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Rosa Borja de Ycaza]] (1889 – 1964) Ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poetess, novelist, feminist and activist.
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:33:21Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912) Ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.
*[[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]] (1935), former [[List of heads of state of Ecuador|President]] of the [[Republic of Ecuador]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:12:03Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borja/Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Arturo Borja|Arturo Borja Pérez]] (1892 – 1912) Ecuadorian poet who was part of a group known as the "[[Generación decapitada]]" (Decapitated Generation).
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T05:01:24Z

Jdurbo: /* Rodrigo */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgia hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-06T04:55:14Z

Jdurbo: /* Other notable Borjas/Borgias */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borja/Borgia ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:54:11Z

Jdurbo: /* Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:Divo Francisco Borgiæ è Duce Gandiæ tertio, Soc. Jesu generali, à Clemente X Pont. Max. sanctorum clitum fastis ad scripto, Encomia emblemate, prosa, versu in de salvatoris Soc. Iesv ad S. Clementem, (14561892768).jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:32:46Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Pope Alexander VI]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:31:09Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Palace of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:29:44Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Tower and walls of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:28:19Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Oratory of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:26:34Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2017-02-05T06:24:42Z

Jdurbo: /* See also */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''[[Semi-Gotha]]'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfons Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498, along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
*[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). He later married Maria de Mila y Aragón, with whom he had a son, [[Francesco Borgia]].
*[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Became an effective organizer of the [[Society of Jesus]]. Canonized by [[Clement X]] as "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>
*[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645), born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain who unlike many of his relatives preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].
*[[Luz Elisa Borja Martínez]] (1903–1927), Ecuadorian poet, pianist, painter, and sculptor.

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1973) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Borgia Apartments]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2016-10-11T23:17:07Z

Jdurbo: /* External links */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) was an Italo-Spanish noble family, which rose to prominence during the Italian [[Renaissance]]. They were from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], the surname being a [[Toponymic surname|toponymic]] from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and [[Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia]], as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]], and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also [[patrons of the arts]] who contributed to the [[Renaissance]].

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia]] in the [[Crown of Aragon]], [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''Semi-Gotha'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

=== Alfons ===
{{Main article|Pope Callixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel|Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. At an advanced age, he was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455 as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main article|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the Kingdom of Valencia, to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfonso Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again [[Italian Wars|conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples]].

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[https://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Other researchers however, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [https://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main article|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with Vannozza dei Cattanei. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=539–556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. He was killed during the battle, in which his army failed to take the castle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main article|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in [[Subiaco, Lazio|Subiaco]], Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to Giovanni Sforza in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI no longer needed the Sforzas, the marriage was annulled in 1497 on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498 along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy |year=2005 |edition=Reprint |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0143035954 |pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso of Aragon]], allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.


Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

=== Family tree ===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

=== Other notable Borjas/Borgias ===
[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia. He married Sancha of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as her dowry both the [[Prince of Squillace|Principality of Squillace]] (1494) and the [[Duchy of Alvito]] (1497). Although Gioffre lost Alvito after her death in 1506, he managed to retain Squillace. He subsequently married Maria de Mila y Aragón, and passed the title on to their son [[Francesco Borgia]].

[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]] (1510–1572), great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. He had fathered a number of children and after his wife died, Francisco determined to enter the [[Society of Jesus]], recently formed by [[Ignatius of Loyola]], and became a highly effective organizer of the still-new order. His efforts were effective, as [[Clement X]] canonized him "Saint Francis Borgia" on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>

[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645) was born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain, and unlike many of his relatives, he preferred to use the Spanish spelling "Borja". He was related to both Callixtus III and Alexander VI, and some historians believe that Gaspar wished, like his relatives, to become Pope. He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].

== Portraits of the Borjas/Borgias ==
<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucrezia Borgia.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Ferrara and Modena
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] Prince of Squillace
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|Juan de Borja. President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File:Principe de Esquilache.jpg|[[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''Borgia!'' (1906) by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Don Juan (1926 film)|Don Juan]]'' (1926), starring [[John Barrymore]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1974) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Predator: Concrete Jungle]]'' (2005) by [[Eurocom]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010) by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by [[Alejandro Jodorowsky]] and [[Milo Manara]]
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
* Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
* Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
* [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
* Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
* Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
* Duran, Eulàlia: [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]
* Meyer, G.J., [https://www.amazon.com/Borgias-Hidden-History-G-J-Meyer/dp/0345526929 The Borgias: The Hidden History, 2013]

== External links ==
{{Commons|Category:House of Borgia}}
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Angela Borgia

2016-10-11T22:56:50Z

Jdurbo: /* Appreciation of her beauty */

{{Cleanup rewrite|date=April 2016}}{{Infobox nobility
| name = Angela Borgia
| image =
| title = Lady of [[Sassuolo]]
| caption =
| spouse = Alessandro Pio di Savoia, lord of Sassuolo
| issue =
| full name = Angela Borgia or Angela de Borja
| noble family = [[House of Borgia|House of Borja or Borgia]]
| father = Guillem-Ramón de Borja y Sanoguera
| mother = Isabel de Montcada
| husband =
| birth_date = c. 1486
| birth_place = [[Rome]], [[Italy]]
| death_date = c. 1520–1522
| death_place = [[Sassuolo]], [[Italy]]
}}
'''Angela Borgia''' or '''Borja''', (born in [[Rome]] c. 1486; Died in [[Sassuolo]] c. 1520–1522).

She was the illegitimate daughter of Guillem Ramon de Borja and Sanoguera (who was in Rome in the service of Pope [[Alexander VI]], died in 1503), son of Otic de Borja y Montcada and his wife Violant Sanoguera. Otic was son of Escrivà Galceran de Borja and his wife Isabel de Moncada, Moncada Ot daughter of his second wife, Constança Diec.
Her mother was Isabel de Montcada.
She was also a niece of Cardinal [[Rodrigo Borgia]], later Pope Alexander VI .

She is not to be confused with her sister Angela Borgia and Castellverd; born of the marriage by her father with Violant Castellverd Sanç, who married Rodrigo Rois de Corella, becoming the Countess of Cocentaina or with a third figure of the same name (and not last), Angela Borgia and Moncada Llançol and that, too, in 1506 settled its Llançol Lluís married.

== Youth ==
In her youth she lived in Rome alongside her cousin [[Lucretia Borgia]], whom she accompanied to [[Ferrara]] when she married [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]] .

== Appreciation of her beauty ==
Considered as a woman of great beauty, elegance, romantic, with an exquisitely feminine personality. She was absolutely trustworthy friend, confidant of the innermost secrets, favorite companion and assistant to her favorite cousin Lucretia.
She won the praise of men of letters as Diomede Guidalotti who dedicated two sonnets to her, and even [[Ludovico Ariosto]] I dedicate the last song of the [[Orlando Furioso]] .

[[Pietro Bembo]] 's ideal, as an "angel that can pray for me." On 1 August 1504, from Venice, in the dedication of his "Gli devastate" the duchess Lucrezia Borgia (published in Venice in 1505), refers back to his Angela, indicating that Lucrecia, his cousin and maiden, is "the brave face and Angela Borgia Madonna".

== Lady of discord: the rivalry of her two suitors of the House of Este ==
While in Ferrara serving Lucretia, she attracted the attentions of both Cardinal [[Ippolito d'Este|Ippolito]] and his illegitimate brother, [[Giulio d’Este|Giulio]]. The two men were already estranged from each other due to previous and continuing disagreements, with mutual resentment between them.
This situation between them escalated when both fell in love with Angela. The two brothers began competing for her love and affection. The beautiful and very young girl said one day that she preferred Giulio, and went on to state publicly that only the eyes of her favourite were worth more than the whole person of the Cardinal. At this, Ippolito's hatred towards his brother reached its peak. Several days later, on November 1505, in the fields near the Palace of Belriguardo, the two rivals met. Giulio, to his misfortune, was alone and could do nothing when the Cardinal ordered his vassals to capture him, kill him and put out his eyes in revenge for Angela's statement. The terrible command was not completely carried out, and Giulio survived, but was beaten badly and lost the use of one eye. From that moment on he began to plot the death of Ippolito, and joined forces with another brother, [[Ferrante d’Este|Ferrante]], who aspired to usurp the Duke's position. The plot was directed in a disorganized manner and was quickly discovered. All conspirators and allies were sentenced to death, but the death sentences for the two princes themselves were "generously" transmuted into jail for life. In 1506, the two were imprisoned in the dungeons of the Castle of the East. Ferrante died there. Giulio survived and regained his freedom in 1559, by the grace of Alfonso II. He had served 81 years, of which fifty-three held captive.

== Ancestry ==
{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Angela Borgia (Angela de Borja)'''
|2= 2. [[Guilem-Ramón de Borja y Sanoguera]]
|3= 3. [[Isabel de Montcada]]
|4= 4. [[Otic de Borja y Montcada]]
|5= 5. [[Violant Sanoguera]]
|8= 8. [[Galceran de Borja y Escrivá]]
|9= 9. [[Isabel de Montcada y Dieç]]
|16= 16. [[Rodrigo Gil de Borja y Fennolet]]
|17= 17. [[Sibília Escrivá y de Pròixita]]
|18= 18. [[Ot de Montcada]]
|19= 19. [[Constaça Dieç]]
|32= 32. [[Rodrigo-Gil de Borja]]
|33= 33. [[Francesca de Fenollet]]
|34= 34. [[Guillem-Andreu Escrivá]] 34. [[Sibília de Pròixita]]
}}

== Marriage and descendants ==
On December 6, 1506, Lucretia Borgia had Angela married off to Alessandro Pio di Savoia, lord of Sassuolo. The wedding took place in Ferrara, with dancing and comedy coinciding with the Carnival.
From this marriage the following children were born:
Gilbert (1508–1554), who married the illegitimate daughter of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, Elisabetta or Isabella.
Camilla, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara.
Eleonora, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara.
Alessandra, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara

== Death ==
[[File:Profile of a Young Fiancee - da Vinci.jpg|thumb|200px|'''" Young Profile with Renaissance Dress "''' or '''" The Beautiful Princess "''']]
According to tradition, his mother Eleonora Bentivoglio, who lived in and ruled the lordship of Sassuolo, was poisoned.
She died between 1520–1522, in Sassuolo and was buried in the convent of San José, in the community, with her consort Alexander, died in 1517.
By then, Sassuolo was in ruins because of the incessant wars between pro - Papal and pro - French and shifting alliances in which Angela was also involved.
In 1537, his eldest son Gilberto, Eleonora still alive, was simple to do and put a plaque in memory of their parents, which currently does not exist, next to the front door of the convent of San José.

== Possible model for a work of Leonardo da Vinci ==
It has been said, by certain experts that the portrait originally known under the title of "Young Profile with Renaissance Dress", initially attributed the authorship of an unknown German painter of the nineteenth century, which recently have also been called "The Beautiful Princess", is actually a creation of the great master [[Leonardo da Vinci]], indicating that the profile, it is appreciated that belongs to Bianca Sforza, the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Milan, [[Ludovico Sforza]] or Ludovico "the Moor" . However, other experts are of the opinion that this is the profile of Angela Borgia.

== See also ==
*[[Castello Estense]]

== External links ==

* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://books.google.com.ec/books?id=27_nOF0ufuwC&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=Alessandro+Pio+di+Savoia&source=bl&ots=IhpDv-1bsY&sig=I_prq9QV6haMXgU1BIBVxplkDv0&hl=es-419&sa=X&ei=8rnjUMS5HYTg8wSN-YDwAw&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Alessandro%20Pio%20di%20Savoia&f=false Batllori, Miguel - La Familia de los Borjas – página 32]
*{{es icon}} [https://sites.google.com/site/diarioborjaborgia/1506 1506 - Diario Borja - Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://books.google.com.ec/books?id=IQDrVKnheBAC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=la+bella+princesa+angela+borgia&source=bl&ots=LLGwJwIx80&sig=Ykj8NuQMC2rPXbnPzRdwXvDpL0c&hl=es-419&sa=X&ei=ptXkUNP0DpOw8ASorYCYBA&sqi=2&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=la%20bella%20princesa%20angela%20borgia&f=false El jardín de los Borgia (La verdadera historia de Lucrecia) por Carolina-Dafne Alonso-Cortés]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.triptico-davinci.com/la-bella-principesa La Bella Principesa - Tríptico da Vinci]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ew1NQayGwk AFP La Belle Princesse serait un Leoard de Vinci - YouTube]
* [http://www.sassuolonline.it/angelaborgia.htm Sassuolonline - Angela Borgia, la donna della discordia]
* [http://www.kleio.org/en/history/famtree/sforza/boltraffio4.html Bianca Sforza]
* [http://www.kleio.org/en/weblog/AngelaBorgia.html Weblog Angela Borgia Lanzol; Warsaw Sforziada]
* [http://www.geni.com/people/Guillem-Ram%C3%B3n-de-BORJA-y-Sanoguera/6000000007786811232 Guillem-Ramón de BORJA y Sanoguera (b. - 1503) – Genealogy - Geni]
* [http://www.geni.com/people/%C2%BFAngela-de-BORJA/6000000007786997767 ¿Angela de BORJA (deceased) – Genealogy - Geni]
* [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/RevistaBorja/article/view/183441 Quatre Àngeles Borja coetànies, entreparentes i conspícues – Duran - Revista Borja. Revista de l’Institut Internacional d’Estudis Borgians, 1]
* {{ca icon}} [http://www.elsborja.org/rutes_lucrecia09.php Els Borja - Sassuolo]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Borgia, Angela}}
[[Category:House of Borgia|Angela]]
[[Category:People from Rome]]
[[Category:Renaissance people]]
[[Category:Italian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:People from the Province of Rome]]
[[Category:Italian people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:15th-century Italian people]]
[[Category:16th-century Italian nobility]]
[[Category:Italian women]]

Angela Borgia

2016-10-11T22:54:31Z

Jdurbo:

{{Cleanup rewrite|date=April 2016}}{{Infobox nobility
| name = Angela Borgia
| image =
| title = Lady of [[Sassuolo]]
| caption =
| spouse = Alessandro Pio di Savoia, lord of Sassuolo
| issue =
| full name = Angela Borgia or Angela de Borja
| noble family = [[House of Borgia|House of Borja or Borgia]]
| father = Guillem-Ramón de Borja y Sanoguera
| mother = Isabel de Montcada
| husband =
| birth_date = c. 1486
| birth_place = [[Rome]], [[Italy]]
| death_date = c. 1520–1522
| death_place = [[Sassuolo]], [[Italy]]
}}
'''Angela Borgia''' or '''Borja''', (born in [[Rome]] c. 1486; Died in [[Sassuolo]] c. 1520–1522).

She was the illegitimate daughter of Guillem Ramon de Borja and Sanoguera (who was in Rome in the service of Pope [[Alexander VI]], died in 1503), son of Otic de Borja y Montcada and his wife Violant Sanoguera. Otic was son of Escrivà Galceran de Borja and his wife Isabel de Moncada, Moncada Ot daughter of his second wife, Constança Diec.
Her mother was Isabel de Montcada.
She was also a niece of Cardinal [[Rodrigo Borgia]], later Pope Alexander VI .

She is not to be confused with her sister Angela Borgia and Castellverd; born of the marriage by her father with Violant Castellverd Sanç, who married Rodrigo Rois de Corella, becoming the Countess of Cocentaina or with a third figure of the same name (and not last), Angela Borgia and Moncada Llançol and that, too, in 1506 settled its Llançol Lluís married.

== Youth ==
In her youth she lived in Rome alongside her cousin [[Lucretia Borgia]], whom she accompanied to [[Ferrara]] when she married [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]] .

== Appreciation of her beauty ==
Considered as a woman of great beauty, elegance, romantic, with an exquisitely feminine personality. She was absolutely trustworthy friend, confidant of the innermost secrets, favorite companion and assistant to her favorite cousin Lucretia.
She won the praise of men of letters as Diomede Guidalotti who dedicated two sonnets to her, and even [[Ludovico Ariosto]] I dedicate the last song of the [[Orlando Furioso]] .
Pietro Bembo 's ideal, as an "angel that can pray for me." On 1 August 1504, from Venice, in the dedication of his "Gli devastate" the duchess Lucrezia Borgia (published in Venice in 1505), refers back to his Angela, indicating that Lucrecia, his cousin and maiden, is "the brave face and Angela Borgia Madonna".

== Lady of discord: the rivalry of her two suitors of the House of Este ==
While in Ferrara serving Lucretia, she attracted the attentions of both Cardinal [[Ippolito d'Este|Ippolito]] and his illegitimate brother, [[Giulio d’Este|Giulio]]. The two men were already estranged from each other due to previous and continuing disagreements, with mutual resentment between them.
This situation between them escalated when both fell in love with Angela. The two brothers began competing for her love and affection. The beautiful and very young girl said one day that she preferred Giulio, and went on to state publicly that only the eyes of her favourite were worth more than the whole person of the Cardinal. At this, Ippolito's hatred towards his brother reached its peak. Several days later, on November 1505, in the fields near the Palace of Belriguardo, the two rivals met. Giulio, to his misfortune, was alone and could do nothing when the Cardinal ordered his vassals to capture him, kill him and put out his eyes in revenge for Angela's statement. The terrible command was not completely carried out, and Giulio survived, but was beaten badly and lost the use of one eye. From that moment on he began to plot the death of Ippolito, and joined forces with another brother, [[Ferrante d’Este|Ferrante]], who aspired to usurp the Duke's position. The plot was directed in a disorganized manner and was quickly discovered. All conspirators and allies were sentenced to death, but the death sentences for the two princes themselves were "generously" transmuted into jail for life. In 1506, the two were imprisoned in the dungeons of the Castle of the East. Ferrante died there. Giulio survived and regained his freedom in 1559, by the grace of Alfonso II. He had served 81 years, of which fifty-three held captive.

== Ancestry ==
{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Angela Borgia (Angela de Borja)'''
|2= 2. [[Guilem-Ramón de Borja y Sanoguera]]
|3= 3. [[Isabel de Montcada]]
|4= 4. [[Otic de Borja y Montcada]]
|5= 5. [[Violant Sanoguera]]
|8= 8. [[Galceran de Borja y Escrivá]]
|9= 9. [[Isabel de Montcada y Dieç]]
|16= 16. [[Rodrigo Gil de Borja y Fennolet]]
|17= 17. [[Sibília Escrivá y de Pròixita]]
|18= 18. [[Ot de Montcada]]
|19= 19. [[Constaça Dieç]]
|32= 32. [[Rodrigo-Gil de Borja]]
|33= 33. [[Francesca de Fenollet]]
|34= 34. [[Guillem-Andreu Escrivá]] 34. [[Sibília de Pròixita]]
}}

== Marriage and descendants ==
On December 6, 1506, Lucretia Borgia had Angela married off to Alessandro Pio di Savoia, lord of Sassuolo. The wedding took place in Ferrara, with dancing and comedy coinciding with the Carnival.
From this marriage the following children were born:
Gilbert (1508–1554), who married the illegitimate daughter of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, Elisabetta or Isabella.
Camilla, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara.
Eleonora, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara.
Alessandra, a nun of the convent of San Bernardino of Ferrara

== Death ==
[[File:Profile of a Young Fiancee - da Vinci.jpg|thumb|200px|'''" Young Profile with Renaissance Dress "''' or '''" The Beautiful Princess "''']]
According to tradition, his mother Eleonora Bentivoglio, who lived in and ruled the lordship of Sassuolo, was poisoned.
She died between 1520–1522, in Sassuolo and was buried in the convent of San José, in the community, with her consort Alexander, died in 1517.
By then, Sassuolo was in ruins because of the incessant wars between pro - Papal and pro - French and shifting alliances in which Angela was also involved.
In 1537, his eldest son Gilberto, Eleonora still alive, was simple to do and put a plaque in memory of their parents, which currently does not exist, next to the front door of the convent of San José.

== Possible model for a work of Leonardo da Vinci ==
It has been said, by certain experts that the portrait originally known under the title of "Young Profile with Renaissance Dress", initially attributed the authorship of an unknown German painter of the nineteenth century, which recently have also been called "The Beautiful Princess", is actually a creation of the great master [[Leonardo da Vinci]], indicating that the profile, it is appreciated that belongs to Bianca Sforza, the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Milan, [[Ludovico Sforza]] or Ludovico "the Moor" . However, other experts are of the opinion that this is the profile of Angela Borgia.

== See also ==
*[[Castello Estense]]

== External links ==

* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://books.google.com.ec/books?id=27_nOF0ufuwC&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=Alessandro+Pio+di+Savoia&source=bl&ots=IhpDv-1bsY&sig=I_prq9QV6haMXgU1BIBVxplkDv0&hl=es-419&sa=X&ei=8rnjUMS5HYTg8wSN-YDwAw&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Alessandro%20Pio%20di%20Savoia&f=false Batllori, Miguel - La Familia de los Borjas – página 32]
*{{es icon}} [https://sites.google.com/site/diarioborjaborgia/1506 1506 - Diario Borja - Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://books.google.com.ec/books?id=IQDrVKnheBAC&pg=PA245&lpg=PA245&dq=la+bella+princesa+angela+borgia&source=bl&ots=LLGwJwIx80&sig=Ykj8NuQMC2rPXbnPzRdwXvDpL0c&hl=es-419&sa=X&ei=ptXkUNP0DpOw8ASorYCYBA&sqi=2&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=la%20bella%20princesa%20angela%20borgia&f=false El jardín de los Borgia (La verdadera historia de Lucrecia) por Carolina-Dafne Alonso-Cortés]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.triptico-davinci.com/la-bella-principesa La Bella Principesa - Tríptico da Vinci]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ew1NQayGwk AFP La Belle Princesse serait un Leoard de Vinci - YouTube]
* [http://www.sassuolonline.it/angelaborgia.htm Sassuolonline - Angela Borgia, la donna della discordia]
* [http://www.kleio.org/en/history/famtree/sforza/boltraffio4.html Bianca Sforza]
* [http://www.kleio.org/en/weblog/AngelaBorgia.html Weblog Angela Borgia Lanzol; Warsaw Sforziada]
* [http://www.geni.com/people/Guillem-Ram%C3%B3n-de-BORJA-y-Sanoguera/6000000007786811232 Guillem-Ramón de BORJA y Sanoguera (b. - 1503) – Genealogy - Geni]
* [http://www.geni.com/people/%C2%BFAngela-de-BORJA/6000000007786997767 ¿Angela de BORJA (deceased) – Genealogy - Geni]
* [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/RevistaBorja/article/view/183441 Quatre Àngeles Borja coetànies, entreparentes i conspícues – Duran - Revista Borja. Revista de l’Institut Internacional d’Estudis Borgians, 1]
* {{ca icon}} [http://www.elsborja.org/rutes_lucrecia09.php Els Borja - Sassuolo]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Borgia, Angela}}
[[Category:House of Borgia|Angela]]
[[Category:People from Rome]]
[[Category:Renaissance people]]
[[Category:Italian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:People from the Province of Rome]]
[[Category:Italian people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:15th-century Italian people]]
[[Category:16th-century Italian nobility]]
[[Category:Italian women]]

Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía

2015-11-04T03:49:23Z

Jdurbo: Jdurbo moved page Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía to Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia: Correct name without accent

#REDIRECT [[Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia]]

{{redr|from move}}

Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia

2015-11-04T03:49:22Z

Jdurbo: Jdurbo moved page Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía to Talk:Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia: Correct name without accent

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject European history |class=Start |importance=}}
{{WikiProject Military history |class=start |B1=n |B2=n |B3=y |B4=y |B5=y |Biography=yes |Spanish=yes |Napoleonic=y}}
{{WikiProject Spain |class=Start}}
}}

{{WikiProject Biography |living=no |class=Start |listas=Borja y Armendia, Juan Buenaventura de}}}

{{translated page|es|Juan de Borja y Armendia|version=|insertversion=}}

Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía

2015-11-04T03:49:21Z

Jdurbo: Jdurbo moved page Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía to Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia over redirect: Correct name without accent

#REDIRECT [[Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia]]

{{redr|from move}}

Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia

2015-11-04T03:49:21Z

Jdurbo: Jdurbo moved page Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía to Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia over redirect: Correct name without accent

{{Infobox noble|type
| name = '''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia'''
| title = Presidente de la [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], 1605 – 1628
| image = JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|300px
| caption = Portrait of Juan de Borja y Armendia
| alt =
| succession =
| CoA =
| more = no
| reign =
| reign-type =
| predecessor = [[Francisco de Sande]] (In title)
| successor = [[Sancho Girón de Narváez]] (In title)
| suc-type =
| successor = Juan de Borja y Miguel (Dynastic)
| spouse = Violante Miguel de Heredia y Forcadell
| spouse-type =
| issue = Juan de Borja y Miguel
| issue-link =
| issue-pipe =
| full name = '''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia'''
| styles =
| titles =
| noble family = [[House of Borja]]
| house-type = Dynastic
| father = Fernando de Borja Aragón y Castro
| mother = Violante de Armendia
| birth_date = 1564
| birth_place = [[Gandía]], [[Valencia]], [[Spain]]
| christening_date =
| christening_place =
| death_date = 1628
| death_place = [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], [[New Kingdom of Granada]], [[Spanish Empire]]
| burial_date =
| burial_place = [[Primary Cathedral of Bogotá|Catedral de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
| occupation =
}}
[[File:Firma y rúbrica de Juan de Borja y Armendia.jpg|thumb|120px|Signature and initialling of ''Juan de Borja y Armendia'']]
'''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia''' (b. 1564*, [[Gandía]], [[Province of Valencia|Valencia]] - d. 1628, [[Bogotá|Santafé de Bogotá]]) was a [[Spanish people|Spanish]] [[nobility|noble]] of the [[House of Borja]] who served in multiple positions of power throughout the [[New Kingdom of Granada]]. He is perhaps best known for serving as the President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]].

== Biography ==
Juan Bueanaventura was the son of Fernando de Borja Aragón y Castro and his wife, Violante de Armendia. He was the grandson of the [[Duke of Gandia]], [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]], third general of the [[Society of Jesus]] and adviser to Pope Alexander VI, [[Rodrigo de Borja y Borja]] and of King [[Ferdinand II of Aragón]].

Upon completing his bachelor's education in the arts at the [[University of Alcalá]], he enrolled himself in the [[University of Salamanca]] where he further pursued a degree in canon studies.

He was legitimized by King [[Philip III of Spain]] during the [[Courts]] of [[Valencia]] on 15 January 1604 with a pedigree towards the military branch of the kingdom.

He carried out various functions within the [[New Kingdom of Granada]], amongst them was his most famous role as the President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], a post to which he was named in 1605. He was elected the Audencia's seventh president at 41 years of age on 2 October 1605. He would continue his role uninterrupted in this post until his death 22 years later.

During his mandate, he carried out various campaigns against the local indigenous people of his territory. The most intense campaign being the pacification of the [[Pijao people]] or the ''Federación Pijao'' between 1605 and 1615. He further installed the [[Inquisition|Sancta Tribunal de la Inquisición]] at [[Cartagena de Indias]]. He ordered the creation of a grammatical process defined for the [[Chibchan languages]] and extended the collection of the [[Alcabala]] to many cities where it was previously not enforced.

In 1605, he created the Tribunal de Cuentas de Santafé and in 1620, a royal decree ordered the establishment of a [[Mint (coin)|Mint]] for the New Kingdom of Granada.

He was conferred with the honor of being a Knight of the [[Order of Santiago]] by royal warrant at the city of [[Lerma, Burgos|Lerma]] on 22 May 1610.

== Death and Legacy ==
He died in [[Santafé de Bogotá]] in 1628 and was buried at the foot of the [[Primary Cathedral of Bogotá|city's main cathedral]]. He was not immediately succeeded in his role as President of the Audencia. Instead, the ''oidor'' or hearer of Lesmes de Espinosa Saravia took control of governmental matters until a new president was finally appointed in 1630.

== Ancestry ==
<center>{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
<div style="clear: both; width: 100%; padding: 0; text-align: left; border: none;" class="NavFrame">
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Juan de Borja y Amendia'''
|2= 2. [[Fernando de Borja y Castro]]
|3= 3. [[Violante de Armendia y Matheu]]
|4= 4. [[Francisco de Borja|Francisco de Borja y Aragón, IV Duque de Gandía]]
|5= 5. [[Eleonor de Castro Melo e Meneses Barreto]]
|6= 6. [[Domingo Matheu (el Mediano)]]
|7= 7. [[Violante de Armendia]]
|8= 8. [[Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, III Duque de Gandía]]
|9= 9. [[Juana de Aragón y de Gurrea]]
|10= 10. Alvaro de Castro “the Old”
|11= 11. [[Isabel de Melo Barreto y Meneses]]
|16= 16. [[Juan de Borja y Cattanei|Juan de Borja y Cattanei, II Duque de Gandía]]
|17= 17. [[María Enríquez de Luna]]
|18= 18. [[Alfonso de Aragón|Alfonso de Aragón y Roig de Ivorra]]
|19= 19. [[Ana de Gurrea y Guerra]]
|22= 22. [[Nuño Rodríguez Barreto]]
|23= 23. [[Isabel de Melo y Villena]]
|32= 32. [[Alejandro VI]]
|33= 33. [[Vannozza Cattanei|Vannozza Giovanna de Cattanei y Pinctoris]]
|34= 34. [[Enrique Enríquez de Quiñones]]
|35= 35. [[María de Luna y Ayala]]
|36= 36. [[Fernando II de Aragón]]
|37= 37. [[Aldonza Roig de Ivorra y Alemany]]

}}</center>

== Marriage and Descendants ==
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|120px|Arms of the ''[[Duke of Gandía]] and of the Borja or [[Borgia]]'']]
On 3 September 1597, he married Violante Miguel de Heredia y Forcadell. Violante was born in Ulldecoma, [[Tarragona]] and was the daughter of Jaime Miguel de Heredia y de Beatriz Forcadell. The couple had many children. Amongst them were:

* Juan de Borja y Miguel - who at [[Riobamba]], started a family that would later become the prestigious [[Ecuadorian]] and [[Chilean people|Chilean]] Borja families. In actuality, these families constitute the only existing male line of descendent from the papal [[Dukes of Gandia]], the unbroken line of the [[House of Borja]].

{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Francisco de Sande Picón]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Presidente de la [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]|years=1605–1628}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sancho Girón de Narváez]]}}
{{s-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

* {{cite web
| first = Mario
| last = Aguilera Peña
| authorlink = Mario Aguilera Peña
| editor =
| title = Presidentes del Nuevo Reino
| url = http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/enero-dic1992/hprescol.htm
| accessdate =
| edition = 32
| series =
| volume =
|date= August 1992| origyear =
| publisher = Revista Credencial Historia
| location = Bogotá
| language = Spanish
| isbn =
| id =
| page =
| pages =
| chapter =
}}

* [[Natagaima]]

==External links==
* [http://www.enciclopedia_universal.esacademic.com/.../Juan_de_Borja_y_Armen... Juan de Borja y Amendia]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número]
* [http://numbers.com.ec/articulo.php?tit=los-borja Jaramillo Borja, José Ramón - La Parra López, Santiago: ''Los Borja: De Europa a Ecuador''. Revista Numbers, edition N° 5. Quito – Ecuador, 29 decembre 2014]

{{Persondata
| NAME = Armendia, Juan Buenaventura de Borja y
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Spanish noble, Presidente de la Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1564
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Gandía]], [[Valencia]], [[Spain]]
| DATE OF DEATH = 1628
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], [[New Kingdom of Granada]], [[Spanish Empire]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Armendia, Juan Buenaventura de Borja y}}
[[Category:1564 births]]
[[Category:1628 deaths]]
[[Category:Spanish untitled nobility]]
[[Category:University of Salamanca alumni]]
[[Category:House of Borgia]]
[[Category:Knights of Santiago]]
[[Category:Armigers of the Kingdom of Spain]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T21:39:16Z

Jdurbo:

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|90px|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
[[File:Royal Coat of Arms of the Crown of Castile (15th Century).svg|thumb|90px]]
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|90px|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

[[File:Escudo de Viana do Bolo.svg|thumb|90px|Coat of the House of Pimentel]]
=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
[[File:COA Tellez Giron (Duchy of Osuna).svg|thumb|90px|Coat of the House of Osuna]]
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA] {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T21:14:50Z

Jdurbo:

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|195px|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|195px|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA] {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T21:07:27Z

Jdurbo: /* References */

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA] {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T21:02:05Z

Jdurbo: /* References */

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA] {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169
* jesús, María, Joseph y San Francisco de Borja. [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=qkwb4oofYQUC&pg=PA386&lpg=PA386&dq=violante+Matheus+de+armendia&source=bl&ots=f9swNkIp8k&sig=AIGPs2aqwp_pDNAbp1FM1h2fEg0&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMIyN7f3_TWxwIVhhoeCh128Avc#v=onepage&q=violante%20arnau&f=false Substantial extract and concerted relation respect the crime] room resulting of the Count Duke of Benavente and Gandia cause followed against Pedro Pascual de Bonanza, lawter, about falsehood and suplantation of different legal instruments in the House of Borgia Inheritace case. ..Page 429, incise 42.
* [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=0_z6NJ9YYLwC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=violante+de+armendariz&source=bl&ots=j9iHhsfKmQ&sig=hRT9FZbq7vLkAelHs1oWBT3ZHhs&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CCoQ6AEwA2oVChMIhMfy-YDVxwIVRmseCh00-QSz#v=onepage&q=violante%20de%20armendariz&f=false Pellicer Catálogo Colección]. Before named, ''Grandezas de España''. Book IV. Incise 22.

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T20:59:50Z

Jdurbo: /* References */

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA] {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169
* Piedrahita, Lucas. [http://190.216.196.133/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=AYb7PfeeDL/B.NACIONAL/3050007/123 Historia General de las Conquistas del Nuevo Reyno de Granada]. (General History of the New Kingdom of Granada Conquest) ''[[National Library of Colombia]]''.
* National Library of Colombia, [http://www.bibliotecanacional.gov.co/content/tesoros-de-la-biblioteca-nacional-0 Literary Treasures of the Nation]. ''Treasures of the National Library of Colombia''.
* jesús, María, Joseph y San Francisco de Borja. [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=qkwb4oofYQUC&pg=PA386&lpg=PA386&dq=violante+Matheus+de+armendia&source=bl&ots=f9swNkIp8k&sig=AIGPs2aqwp_pDNAbp1FM1h2fEg0&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMIyN7f3_TWxwIVhhoeCh128Avc#v=onepage&q=violante%20arnau&f=false Substantial extract and concerted relation respect the crime] room resulting of the Count Duke of Benavente and Gandia cause followed against Pedro Pascual de Bonanza, lawter, about falsehood and suplantation of different legal instruments in the House of Borgia Inheritace case. ..Page 429, incise 42.
* [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=0_z6NJ9YYLwC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=violante+de+armendariz&source=bl&ots=j9iHhsfKmQ&sig=hRT9FZbq7vLkAelHs1oWBT3ZHhs&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CCoQ6AEwA2oVChMIhMfy-YDVxwIVRmseCh00-QSz#v=onepage&q=violante%20de%20armendariz&f=false Pellicer Catálogo Colección]. Before named, ''Grandezas de España''. Book IV. Incise 22.

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-11-03T20:58:39Z

Jdurbo: /* References */

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# [[Hugo of Cardona and Gandia]] (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (''Pedro Luis de Borja''), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (''Juan de Borja''), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]] (''Francisco de Borja'') 4th duke
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169
* Piedrahita, Lucas. [http://190.216.196.133/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=AYb7PfeeDL/B.NACIONAL/3050007/123 Historia General de las Conquistas del Nuevo Reyno de Granada]. (General History of the New Kingdom of Granada Conquest) ''[[National Library of Colombia]]''.
* National Library of Colombia, [http://www.bibliotecanacional.gov.co/content/tesoros-de-la-biblioteca-nacional-0 Literary Treasures of the Nation]. ''Treasures of the National Library of Colombia''.
* jesús, María, Joseph y San Francisco de Borja. [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=qkwb4oofYQUC&pg=PA386&lpg=PA386&dq=violante+Matheus+de+armendia&source=bl&ots=f9swNkIp8k&sig=AIGPs2aqwp_pDNAbp1FM1h2fEg0&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMIyN7f3_TWxwIVhhoeCh128Avc#v=onepage&q=violante%20arnau&f=false Substantial extract and concerted relation respect the crime] room resulting of the Count Duke of Benavente and Gandia cause followed against Pedro Pascual de Bonanza, lawter, about falsehood and suplantation of different legal instruments in the House of Borgia Inheritace case. ..Page 429, incise 42.
* [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=0_z6NJ9YYLwC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=violante+de+armendariz&source=bl&ots=j9iHhsfKmQ&sig=hRT9FZbq7vLkAelHs1oWBT3ZHhs&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CCoQ6AEwA2oVChMIhMfy-YDVxwIVRmseCh00-QSz#v=onepage&q=violante%20de%20armendariz&f=false Pellicer Catálogo Colección]. Before named, ''Grandezas de España''. Book IV. Incise 22.

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia

2015-10-30T23:35:07Z

Jdurbo:

Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia

2015-10-30T23:30:06Z

Jdurbo: /* External links */

{{Infobox noble|type
| name = '''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia'''
| title = Presidente de la [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], 1605 – 1628
| image = JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|300px
| caption = Portrait of Juan de Borja y Armendia
| alt =
| succession =
| CoA =
| more = no
| reign =
| reign-type =
| predecessor = [[Francisco de Sande]] (In title)
| successor = [[Sancho Girón de Narváez]] (In title)
| suc-type =
| successor = Juan de Borja y Miguel (Dynastic)
| spouse = Violante Miguel de Heredia y Forcadell
| spouse-type =
| issue = Juan de Borja y Miguel
| issue-link =
| issue-pipe =
| full name = '''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia'''
| styles =
| titles =
| noble family = [[House of Borja]]
| house-type = Dynastic
| father = Fernando de Borja Aragón y Castro
| mother = Violante de Armendia
| birth_date = 1564
| birth_place = [[Gandía]], [[Valencia]], [[Spain]]
| christening_date =
| christening_place =
| death_date = 1628
| death_place = [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], [[New Kingdom of Granada]], [[Spanish Empire]]
| burial_date =
| burial_place = [[Primary Cathedral of Bogotá|Catedral de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
| occupation =
}}
[[File:Firma y rúbrica de Juan de Borja y Armendia.jpg|thumb|120px|Signature and initialling of ''Juan de Borja y Armendia'']]
'''Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendía''' (b. 1564*, [[Gandía]], [[Province of Valencia|Valencia]] - d. 1628, [[Bogotá|Santafé de Bogotá]]) was a [[Spanish people|Spanish]] [[nobility|noble]] of the [[House of Borja]] who served in multiple positions of power throughout the [[New Kingdom of Granada]]. He is perhaps best known for serving as the President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]].

== Biography ==
Juan Bueanaventura was the son of Fernando de Borja Aragón y Castro and his wife, Violante de Armendia. He was the grandson of the [[Duke of Gandia]], [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia]], third general of the [[Society of Jesus]] and adviser to Pope Alexander VI, [[Rodrigo de Borja y Borja]] and of King [[Ferdinand II of Aragón]].

Upon completing his bachelor's education in the arts at the [[University of Alcalá]], he enrolled himself in the [[University of Salamanca]] where he further pursued a degree in canon studies.

He was legitimized by King [[Philip III of Spain]] during the [[Courts]] of [[Valencia]] on 15 January 1604 with a pedigree towards the military branch of the kingdom.

He carried out various functions within the [[New Kingdom of Granada]], amongst them was his most famous role as the President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], a post to which he was named in 1605. He was elected the Audencia's seventh president at 41 years of age on 2 October 1605. He would continue his role uninterrupted in this post until his death 22 years later.

During his mandate, he carried out various campaigns against the local indigenous people of his territory. The most intense campaign being the pacification of the [[Pijao people]] or the ''Federación Pijao'' between 1605 and 1615. He further installed the [[Inquisition|Sancta Tribunal de la Inquisición]] at [[Cartagena de Indias]]. He ordered the creation of a grammatical process defined for the [[Chibchan languages]] and extended the collection of the [[Alcabala]] to many cities where it was previously not enforced.

In 1605, he created the Tribunal de Cuentas de Santafé and in 1620, a royal decree ordered the establishment of a [[Mint (coin)|Mint]] for the New Kingdom of Granada.

He was conferred with the honor of being a Knight of the [[Order of Santiago]] by royal warrant at the city of [[Lerma, Burgos|Lerma]] on 22 May 1610.

== Death and Legacy ==
He died in [[Santafé de Bogotá]] in 1628 and was buried at the foot of the [[Primary Cathedral of Bogotá|city's main cathedral]]. He was not immediately succeeded in his role as President of the Audencia. Instead, the ''oidor'' or hearer of Lesmes de Espinosa Saravia took control of governmental matters until a new president was finally appointed in 1630.

== Ancestry ==
<center>{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
<div style="clear: both; width: 100%; padding: 0; text-align: left; border: none;" class="NavFrame">
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Juan de Borja y Amendia'''
|2= 2. [[Fernando de Borja y Castro]]
|3= 3. [[Violante de Armendia y Matheu]]
|4= 4. [[Francisco de Borja|Francisco de Borja y Aragón, IV Duque de Gandía]]
|5= 5. [[Eleonor de Castro Melo e Meneses Barreto]]
|6= 6. [[Domingo Matheu (el Mediano)]]
|7= 7. [[Violante de Armendia]]
|8= 8. [[Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, III Duque de Gandía]]
|9= 9. [[Juana de Aragón y de Gurrea]]
|10= 10. Alvaro de Castro “the Old”
|11= 11. [[Isabel de Melo Barreto y Meneses]]
|16= 16. [[Juan de Borja y Cattanei|Juan de Borja y Cattanei, II Duque de Gandía]]
|17= 17. [[María Enríquez de Luna]]
|18= 18. [[Alfonso de Aragón|Alfonso de Aragón y Roig de Ivorra]]
|19= 19. [[Ana de Gurrea y Guerra]]
|22= 22. [[Nuño Rodríguez Barreto]]
|23= 23. [[Isabel de Melo y Villena]]
|32= 32. [[Alejandro VI]]
|33= 33. [[Vannozza Cattanei|Vannozza Giovanna de Cattanei y Pinctoris]]
|34= 34. [[Enrique Enríquez de Quiñones]]
|35= 35. [[María de Luna y Ayala]]
|36= 36. [[Fernando II de Aragón]]
|37= 37. [[Aldonza Roig de Ivorra y Alemany]]

}}</center>

== Marriage and Descendants ==
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|120px|Arms of the ''[[Duke of Gandía]] and of the Borja or [[Borgia]]'']]
On 3 September 1597, he married Violante Miguel de Heredia y Forcadell. Violante was born in Ulldecoma, [[Tarragona]] and was the daughter of Jaime Miguel de Heredia y de Beatriz Forcadell. The couple had many children. Amongst them were:

* Juan de Borja y Miguel - who at [[Riobamba]], started a family that would later become the prestigious [[Ecuadorian]] and [[Chilean people|Chilean]] Borja families. In actuality, these families constitute the only existing male line of descendent from the papal [[Dukes of Gandia]], the unbroken line of the [[House of Borja]].

{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Francisco de Sande Picón]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Presidente de la [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]|years=1605–1628}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sancho Girón de Narváez]]}}
{{s-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

* {{cite web
| first = Mario
| last = Aguilera Peña
| authorlink = Mario Aguilera Peña
| editor =
| title = Presidentes del Nuevo Reino
| url = http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/enero-dic1992/hprescol.htm
| accessdate =
| edition = 32
| series =
| volume =
|date= August 1992| origyear =
| publisher = Revista Credencial Historia
| location = Bogotá
| language = Spanish
| isbn =
| id =
| page =
| pages =
| chapter =
}}

* [[Natagaima]]

==External links==
* [http://www.enciclopedia_universal.esacademic.com/.../Juan_de_Borja_y_Armen... Juan de Borja y Amendia]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número]
* [http://numbers.com.ec/articulo.php?tit=los-borja Jaramillo Borja, José Ramón - La Parra López, Santiago: ''Los Borja: De Europa a Ecuador''. Revista Numbers, edition N° 5. Quito – Ecuador, 29 decembre 2014]

{{Persondata
| NAME = Armendia, Juan Buenaventura de Borja y
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Spanish noble, Presidente de la Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1564
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Gandía]], [[Valencia]], [[Spain]]
| DATE OF DEATH = 1628
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]], [[New Kingdom of Granada]], [[Spanish Empire]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Armendia, Juan Buenaventura de Borja y}}
[[Category:1564 births]]
[[Category:1628 deaths]]
[[Category:Spanish untitled nobility]]
[[Category:University of Salamanca alumni]]
[[Category:House of Borgia]]
[[Category:Knights of Santiago]]
[[Category:Armigers of the Kingdom of Spain]]

Duke of Valentinois

2015-10-30T15:36:28Z

Jdurbo: /* List of Counts and Dukes of Valentinois */

'''Duke of Valentinois''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Duc de [[Valentinois]]''; {{lang-it|Duca Valentino}}), formerly '''Count of Valentinois''', is a title of nobility, originally in the [[French peerage]]. It is currently one of the many [[subsidiary title]]s claimed by the ruling [[Prince of Monaco|Princes of Monaco]] despite its extinction in French law in 1949. Though the duchy was originally associated with administrative authority as well as possession of [[manor]]s in [[Valence, Drôme#Middle Ages|Valence]], as noble prerogatives in France's ''[[ancien régime]]'' were whittled away the dukedom had become purely a hereditary title by the 20th century.

It has been created at least four times: on August 17, 1498, for [[Cesare Borgia]], in 1548 for [[Diane de Poitiers]], in 1642 for [[Honoré II, Prince of Monaco]], and most recently in 1715 for [[Jacques I, Prince of Monaco|Prince Jacques I]] of Monaco.

== First creation ==
[[Louis XII]] created Cesare Borgia Duke of Valentinois in 1498. Both the Italianized form of this title and his previous appointment as Cardinal of Valencia led to his commonly used nickname: "Il Valentino". After Cesare's death, his daughter [[Louise Borgia, Duchess of Valentinois|Louise Borgia]] became Duchess of Valentinois.

== Second creation ==
[[Henry II of France]] created [[Diane de Poitiers]] Duchess of Valentinois in 1548.

== Third creation ==
Louis XIII created the title by [[letters patent]], signed in May 1642 and registered on 18 July 1642, converting into a peerage a conglomeration of several estates in the French province of [[Dauphiné]] which he had previously given to [[Honoré II, Prince of Monaco]], who became the first recipient of the ''duché-pairie''.

On Honoré's death it passed to his son [[Louis I, Prince of Monaco|Louis I]], and thence to Louis's son [[Antoine, Prince of Monaco|Antoine]]. However, since the title's inheritance was restricted to male heirs, and because Antoine had only daughters and no sons, it was due to pass to his brother, Honoré Grimaldi (1669 – 1748), but became extinct on 22 July 1715 when Honoré forfeited his right to succeed Antoine, having taken [[holy orders]] preparatory to becoming [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Besançon#1500–1800|Archbishop of Besançon]].

== Fourth Creation ==
On 20 October 1715, Antoine's eldest daughter and heiress [[Louise-Hippolyte, Princess of Monaco|Louise-Hippolyte]] married [[Jacques I, Prince of Monaco|Jacques-François de Goyon-Matignon]], who had signed a contract on 5 September 1715 by which he was obliged to take the surname [[House of Grimaldi|Grimaldi]]. [[Louis XV of France|Louis XV]] thereupon recreated the ducal peerage of Valentinois by letters patent, signed in December 1715 and registered on 2 September 1716, for Jacques, who would also succeed his father-in-law Antoine as Prince Jacques I; like the previous creation, its inheritance was restricted to male heirs.

After Jacques's abdication in 1733, the title passed uninterrupted for several generations from reigning prince to prince: from Jacques to [[Honoré III, Prince of Monaco|Honoré III]], [[Honoré IV, Prince of Monaco|Honoré IV]], [[Honoré V, Prince of Monaco|Honoré V]], [[Florestan I, Prince of Monaco|Florestan I]], [[Charles III, Prince of Monaco|Charles III]] and [[Albert I, Prince of Monaco|Albert I]].

[[Louis II, Prince of Monaco|Louis II]], who succeeded his father Albert I in 1922, never used the title of Valentinois himself. On 15 November 1911, Albert I had issued a sovereign ordinance approving and confirming Louis' legal declaration of paternity of Charlotte Louvet, designating her therein as "Mademoiselle de Valentinois", and stipulating in article 3 of that decree, "In the event our beloved son, the Hereditary Prince Louis, should die without children born in legitimate marriage, Mademoiselle de Valentinois shall be able to succeed him in all his rights, titles and prerogatives."<ref name="pdl>Delorme, Philippe. "Grimaldi, 700 ans d'une dynastie". Balland. 1997. Page 322. (French).</ref>

On 16 May 1919 Prince Albert I styled his granddaughter Charlotte, "Duchess of Valentinois", on the occasion of her legal adoption that day by his only son Louis, Charlotte's natural father.<ref name="pdl/> She was officially recognized by Albert as [[Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois]] on 20 May 1919.<ref name="pdl/> On 20 March 1920, shortly after Charlotte's marriage to [[Pierre de Polignac]], he, like Jacques-François de Goyon-Matignon, took the title of Duke of Valentinois ''[[jure uxoris]]'', having already changed his surname to Grimaldi.

Despite Charlotte's use of the Valentinois title as her father's adopted heiress, by right of succession the French dukedom remained with Louis and his legitimate, [[patrilineality|agnatic]], male descendants. Consequently, on his death without a male heir in 1949, it became extinct in French law.

Nonetheless, his successor, [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco|Rainier III]], continued to include the dukedom among the titles borne by the reigning prince, possibly in the belief, as suggested by [http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/monaco.htm#status François Velde], that it was "implicitly recreated for Charlotte by the French Republic in 1919 when her adoption was approved", an act which had taken place in a French legation in the presence of President [[Raymond Poincaré]].<ref name="pdl/> However, the various French Republics have never created nor re-created any dukedom. Nor does France any longer recognize the existence of [[title of nobility|titles of nobility]] ''per se'': French courts have held that the concept of nobility is incompatible with the equality of all citizens before the law as proclaimed in the [[Declaration of the Rights of Man]] of 1789, which remains part of the Constitution of 1958. However, a [[hereditary title]] is not, ''ipso facto'', a mark of nobility in France. On the basis of the decree of 24 January 1852 by [[Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte]], then President, in repealing policies of the [[French Second Republic]] embodied in the Decree of 29 February 1848 and Article 10 of the November 1848 constitution, "The nobility as an order is abolished in the Republic of France and in that sense, no one in France can create or authorize or transmit any title". French courts have, nonetheless, subsequently recognized and protected the right to the legal use of hereditary titles as accessories to the family name.<ref name=tex>Texier, Alain. "Qu'est-ce que la noblesse?". Paris, 1987, pp. 407-10. (French)</ref>

Moreover, Chapter II Article 16 of the [http://en.gouv.mc/Gouvernement-et-Institutions/Les-Institutions/La-Constitution-de-la-Principaute#eztoc1036069_3 Monegasque constitution] reserves to the monarch unilateral authority to confer titles of nobility, and does not stipulate that this may only be done by [[letters patent]].

With the death of Prince Rainier on 6 April 2005, the title passed to his son, now [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Albert II of Monaco]].

== List of Counts and Dukes of Valentinois ==
'''Count of Valentinois:'''
* 879–912 : [[Adalelme of Valentinois|Adalelme]] (or Alleaume)
* 912–943 : [[Boson of Valentinois|Boson]], son of Adalalme
* 943–960 : [[Geilin I of Valentinois|Geilin I]]
* 960–985 : ?
* 985–10??: [[Lambert of Valentinois|Lambert]]
* 10??–1058: [[Aimar of Valentinois|Aimar]] (or Adhémar)
* 1058–10??: [[Geilin II of Valentinois|Geilin II]]

'''Duke of Valentinois:'''

'''First Creation:'''
* [[Cesare Borgia]] (1498–1507)
* [[Louise Borgia]] (1507–1548)

'''Second Creation:'''
* [[Diane of Poitiers]] (1548–1566)

'''Third Creation:'''
* [[Honoré II, Prince of Monaco]] (1642–1662)
* [[Louis I, Prince of Monaco|Louis I]] (1662–1701)
* [[Antoine, Prince of Monaco|Antoine]] (1701–1715)

'''Fourth Creation:'''
* [[Jacques I, Prince of Monaco|Jacques I]] (1716–1733)
* [[Honoré III, Prince of Monaco|Honoré III]] (1733–1793)
* [[Honoré IV, Prince of Monaco|Honoré IV]] (1814–1819)
* [[Honoré V, Prince of Monaco|Honoré V]] (1819–1841)
* [[Florestan I, Prince of Monaco|Florestan I]] (1841–1856)
* [[Charles III, Prince of Monaco|Charles III]] (1856–1889)
* [[Albert I, Prince of Monaco|Albert I]] (1889–1922)
* [[Louis II, Prince of Monaco|Louis II]] (1922–1949)

== References and notes ==
{{reflist}}

* {{cite web|author=Velde, Francois|title=Monaco|work=Heraldica|url=http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/monaco.htm | accessdate=March 27, 2005 }}
* {{cite web|title=Cesare Borgia| work=The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia| url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0808360.html|accessdate=May 4, 2005 }}

== See also ==
* [[List of French dukedoms]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Duke Of Valentinois}}
[[Category:Monegasque titles]]
[[Category:Dukes of Valentinois| ]]

Francis Borgia

2015-10-30T06:31:22Z

Jdurbo: /* Descendants */ Remove hoaxes

{{Infobox saint
|name=Saint Francis Borgia
|birth_date={{Birth date|1510|10|28|df=y}}
|death_date={{death date and age|1572|9|30|1510|10|28|df=y}}
|feast_day=30 September 3 October ([[General Roman Calendar]] 1688-1969)
|venerated_in=[[Roman Catholic Church]]
|image=San Francisco de Borja.jpg
|imagesize=280px
|birth_place=[[Gandía|Duchy of Gandía]], [[Kingdom of Valencia]], [[Spain]]
|death_place=[[Rome]], [[Papal States]]
|titles=Confessor
|beatified_date=23 November 1624
|beatified_place=[[Madrid]], [[Kingdom of Spain]]
|beatified_by=[[Pope Urban VIII]]
|canonized_date=20 June 1670
|canonized_place=[[Rome]]
|canonized_by=[[Pope Clement X]]
|attributes=[[Human skull|Skull]] crowned with an emperor's diadem
|patronage=against [[earthquakes]]; [[Portugal]]; Rota, [[Marianas]]
|major_shrine=His relics were [[Translation (relics)|translated]] to the Jesuit church in Madrid, Spain in 1901
|suppressed_date=
|issues=
|prayer=
|prayer_attrib=
}}

[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

'''Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., 4th [[Duke of Gandía]]''' ([[Valencian]]: Francesc de Borja, {{lang-es|Francisco de Borja}}) (28 October 1510 – 30 September 1572) was a [[Grandee of Spain]], a Spanish [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]], and third [[Superior General of the Society of Jesus]]. He was [[canonized]] on 20 June 1670 by [[Pope Clement X]].

==Early life==
He was born in the [[Dukes of Gandía|Duchy of Gandía]], [[Valencian Community|Valencia]] on 28 October 1510. His father was Juan Borgia, 3rd Duke of Gandía, the son of [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]], the son of [[Pope Alexander VI]] (Rodrigo Borgia). His mother was Juana, daughter of [[Alonso de Aragón]], Archbishop of [[Zaragoza]], who, in turn, was the illegitimate son of King [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]].<ref name=suau>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06213a.htm Suau, Pierre. "St. Francis Borgia." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909. 9 Jun. 2013]</ref> His brother, [[Tomás de Borja y Castro]], also became a clergyman, becoming the Bishop of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Málaga|Málaga]], and later the Archbishop of [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zaragoza|Zaragoza]].

Although as a child he was very pious and wished to become a monk, his family sent him instead to the court of [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor]] (who was also King Charles I of Spain), where he was welcomed as a kinsman.<ref name=suau/> He distinguished himself there, accompanying the Emperor on several campaigns.

==Adult life and career==
In September 1529, he married a Portuguese noblewoman in [[Madrid]], [[Leonor de Castro Mello y Meneses]]. They had eight children: Carlos in 1530, Isabel in 1532, Juan in 1533, Álvaro circa 1535, Juana also circa 1535, Fernando in 1537, Dorotea in 1538, and Alfonso in 1539. Charles V appointed him Marquess of Lombay, master of the hounds, and equerry to the empress.<ref name=suau/>

In 1539, he convoyed the corpse of [[Isabella of Portugal (1503-1539)|Isabella of Portugal]], [[Philip II of Spain]]'s mother, to her burial place in [[Granada]]. In that same year (1539), he became [[Viceroy of Catalonia]], replacing [[Fadrique de Portugal y Noroña]], though he was only 29.

He delighted above all in ecclesiastical compositions, and these display a remarkable contrapuntal style and bear witness to the skill of the composer, justifying indeed the assertion that, in the sixteenth century and prior to Palestrina, Borgia was one of the chief restorers of sacred music.<ref name=suau/>

In 1543 upon the death of his father, the 3rd Duke, Francis became the 4th [[Duke of Gandía]]. Francis’ diplomatic abilities came into question when his attempt to arrange a marriage between Prince Philip and the Princess of Portugal failed, thus ending an attempt to bring these two countries together and resulting in his retirement.<ref name=Wisconsin>[http://www.saintfrancisborgia.org/About_Us/Our_Patron_Saint.htm "Saint Francis Borgia, Our Patron Saint", St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Cedarburg, Wisconsin]</ref> By then 33 years old he had retired to his native place and devoted himself to religious activities.

==Jesuit priest==
In 1546 his wife Eleanor died, and Francis then decided to enter the newly formed [[Society of Jesus]], after making adequate provisions for his children. He put his affairs in order circa 1551, renounced his titles in favour of his eldest son Luis de Borja-Aragon y de Castro-Melo, and became a Jesuit priest. He helped in the establishment of what is now the Gregorian University in Rome.<ref name=foley>[http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1530 Foley O.F.M., Leonard. ''Saint of the Day, Lives, Lessons, and Feast'', (revised by Pat McCloskey O.F.M.) Franciscan Media, ISBN 978-0-86716-887-7]</ref> Upon Francis’ return from a journey to Peru, Pope Julius III made known his intention to make him a cardinal.<ref name=Wisconsin/> To prevent this, Borgia decided, in agreement with St. [[Ignatius of Loyola|Ignatius]], to leave the city secretly and go to the [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]], where it was thought he would be safe from the papal desires.<ref>[https://www.manresa-sj.org/stamps/1_Borgia.htm "Saint Francis Borgia SJ", Jesuit Stamps]</ref>
He felt drawn to spend time in seclusion and prayer, but his administrative talents also made him a natural for other tasks. In time, however, his friends persuaded him to accept the leadership role that nature and circumstances had destined him for: in 1554, he became the Jesuit commissary-general in Spain,<ref name=chi>[http://www.saintfrancisborgiachicago.com/Aboutus/ParishPatronSaint.aspx "Our Parish Patron Saint - St. Francis Borgia", St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Chicago, Illinois]</ref> where he founded a dozen colleges.<ref name=foley/> After only two years, St. Francis was also given responsibility for missions in the East and West Indies.<ref name=Wisconsin/> In 1565, he was elected the third "Father General" or [[Superior General of the Society of Jesus]], after the death in January 1565 of [[Diego Laynez]], ([[Almazán]], Spain, 1512 - January 1565).

His successes during the period 1565-1572 have caused historians to describe Francis as the greatest General after [[Ignatius of Loyola|Saint Ignatius]]. He founded the ''Collegium Romanum,'' which was to become the [[Gregorian University]], advised kings and popes, and closely supervised all the affairs of the rapidly expanding order. Yet, despite the great power of his office, Francis led a humble life, and was widely regarded in his own lifetime as a saint.

Francis Borgia died in 1572.<ref name=foley/>

[[Image:San Francisco de Borja y el moribundo (boceto).jpg|thumb|San Francisco de Borja y el moribundo ''Saint Francis Borgia.'' by [[Francisco Goya]].]]

==Veneration==
Francis Borgia died on 30 September 1572, in Rome. He was [[beatified]] in [[Madrid]] on 23 November 1624, by [[Pope Gregory XV]]. He was [[canonized]] nearly 35 years later on 20 June 1670,<ref name=chi/> by [[Pope Clement X]]. His liturgical feast was inserted into the [[General Roman Calendar]] in 1688 for celebration on 3 October, the date then free from other celebrations that was closest to that of his death.

==Legacy==
Parishes are dedicated to St. Francis Borgia in Chicago, Illinois,<ref>[http://stfrancisborgiachicago.com/ St Francis Borgia Parish, Chicago, Illinois]</ref> Sturgis, Kentucky,<ref>[http://stfrancisborgiasturgis.org/ St. Francis Borgia Parish, Sturgis, Kentucky]</ref> Washington, Missouri,<ref>[http://sfbparish.org/ St. Francis Borgia Parish, Washington, Missouri]</ref> Nebraska,<ref>[http://stfrancisborgia.org/index.php St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Blair, Nebraska]</ref> and Cedarburg, Wisconsin.<ref>[http://www.saintfrancisborgia.org St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Cedarburg, Wisconsin]</ref> Also the village of Isio in the town of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
The jesuit-founded city of [[São Borja]], in southern [[Brazil]], is named after him.

Saint Francis Borgia Regional High School is located in Washington, Missouri.<ref>[http://www.borgia.com/ St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, Washington, Missouri.]</ref>

== Descendants ==
* [[Juan de Borja y Castro]]
* [[Tomás de Borja y Castro]]
* [[Frenando de Borja y Castro]]
* [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]]

As the great-great grandfather of [[Luisa de Guzman|Doña Luisa de Guzman]], queen consort of [[John IV of Portugal|King John IV of Portugal]], he is an ancestor of many of the royal houses of Europe.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}

==Ancestry==
{{ahnentafel top|width=100%}}
<center>{{ahnentafel-compact5
|style=font-size: 90%; line-height: 110%;
|border=1
|boxstyle=padding-top: 0; padding-bottom: 0;
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Francis Borgia'''
|2= 2. Juan Borgia, 3rd Duke of Gandia
|3= 3. Juana de Aragón y Gurrea
|4= 4. [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia]]
|5= 5. [[Maria Enriquez de Luna]]
|6= 6. [[Alonso de Aragón]]
|7= 7. Ana de Gurrea
|8= 8. [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|9= 9. [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]]
|10= 10. Enrique Enríquez de Quiñones
|11= 11. María de Luna y Herrera
|12= 12. [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]]
|13= 13. Aldonza Ruiz de Ivorra
|14= 14. Juan López de Gurrea
|15= 15. Catalina López de Gurrea y Entenza
|16= 16. [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]
|17= 17. Isabel de Borja y Cavanilles
|18= 18. Jacopo Pinctoris dei Cattanei
|19= 19. Menica
|20= 20. [[Fadrique Enríquez de Mendoza]]
|21= 21. Teresa Fernández de Quiñones:
|22= 22. de Luna
|23= 23. Herrera
|24= 24. [[John II of Aragon]]
|25= 25. [[Juana Enríquez]]
|26= 26. Pedro Ruiz y Alemany
|27= 27. Aldonza de Ivorra
|28= 28. Miguel de Gotor
|29= 29. Blanca de Gurrea
|30= 30. Lope de Gurrea y Entenza
|31= 31. Teresa de Entenza
}}</center>
{{ahnentafel bottom}}

== See also ==
{{EB1911 poster|Borgia, Francis|Francis Borgia}}
* [[House of Borgia]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*Candido de Dalmases, ''Francis Borgia. Grandee of Spain, Jesuit, Saint'', Saint-Louis, 1991
*Candido de Dalmases, ''El Padre Francisco de Borja'', Madrid, 1983.24 pages. Madrid: Editorial Católica, (1983). ISBN, 8422011166, ISBN 978-84-220-1116-3
*Margaret Yeo, ''The greatest of the Borgias'', New York, 1936, 374 pages
*Enrique García Hernán, ''Sanctus Franciscus Borgia: Quartus Gandiae Dux et Societatis Iesu Praepositus Generalis Tertius, 1510-1572 '', Volumen 156, Monumenta Borgia Series Volumes 156-157, [[Monumenta Historica Societatis Iesu]] (1903) (new edition by Edit. Generalitat Valeciana, 2003).

*Enrique García Hernán, ''Francisco de Borja, Grande de España'', 1999 reprint by Institució Alfons el Magnànim, (Diputació de Valência), of the 1903 edition, 292 pages, ISBN 84-7822-275-8

* ''Francisco de Borja, Santo y Duque de Gandia (1510-2010)'' by several authors in several subjects, Bromera edit., 2010, ISBN 978-84-9824-634-6

* Angel Santos Hernandez, ''Jesuitas y Obispados: la Compañia de Jesús y las dignidades eclesiasticas'',(1999), 539 pages,in Spanish, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas edit. ISBN 978-84-89708-48-8, https://books.google.com/books?id=QRzrJ9EPmaIC. a Google book to be found under:
* [[María Rosa Urraca Pastor]], ''San Francisco de Borja'', Barcelona 1943

== External links ==
*[http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j095sdFrancisBorgia_10-10.htm Tradition in Action - Saint of the Day: ''St. Francis Borgia'']
* {{es icon}} [http://sites.google.com/site/diarioborjaborgia/Home Diario Borja - Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [[:es:Borja|Borja - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre]]
* {{es icon}} [[:es:Borgia|Borgia - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre]]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]

{{s-start}}
{{s-rel|ca}}
{{Succession box | before=[[James Lainez]] | title=[[Superior General of the Society of Jesus]] | after=[[Everard Mercurian]] | years=1565–1572}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Persondata 
| NAME = Borgia, Francis
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Grandee of Spain
| DATE OF BIRTH = 28 October 1510
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Duchy of Gandia, Valencia, Kingdom of Spain
| DATE OF DEATH = 30 September 1572
| PLACE OF DEATH = Rome, Papal States
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Borgia, Francis}}
[[Category:1510 births]]
[[Category:1572 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Safor]]
[[Category:Valencian Roman Catholic saints]]
[[Category:Superiors General of the Society of Jesus]]
[[Category:Spanish Jesuits]]
[[Category:Spanish Roman Catholic saints]]
[[Category:Counter-Reformation]]
[[Category:House of Borgia|Francis]]
[[Category:House of Trastámara|Francis]]
[[Category:Spanish Roman Catholic priests]]
[[Category:16th-century Roman Catholic priests]]
[[Category:16th-century Spanish people]]
[[Category:Catholic exorcists]]
[[Category:Viceroys of Catalonia]]
[[Category:16th-century Christian saints]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía|204]]
[[Category:16th-century Jesuits]]
[[Category:Grandees of Spain]]

House of Borgia

2015-10-30T06:08:14Z

Jdurbo: /* Portraits of the Borja or Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Cleanup-rewrite|date=November 2012}}
{{POV|date=August 2013}}
}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|dʒ|ə|,|_|-|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) family became prominent during the [[Renaissance]] in Italy. They were from [[Valencia]], the surname being a toponymic from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]]{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}, and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also patrons of the arts who contributed to the Renaissance.

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]] in the Crown of Aragon, [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''Semi-Gotha'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

===Alfons===
{{Main|Pope Calixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. He was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455, at an advanced age, as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]] to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfonso Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei|Vanozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]], as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]], as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples.

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]]. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|work=Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance, The |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=p539-556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was now forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. Not only did he fail to take the castle, he was killed during the battle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in Subiaco, Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vanozza Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to [[Giovanni Sforza]] in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI did not need the Sforzas any more, the marriage was annulled in 1497, on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498 along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bradford|first=Sarah|title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy|year=2005|edition=Reprint|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0143035954|pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso]] of Aragon, allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.

Lucrezia was a budding capitalist entrepreneur, leveraging her own capital by obtaining marshland at negligible cost and then investing in massive reclamation enterprises. She also raised livestock and rented parts of her newly arable land for short terms, nearly doubling her annual income in the process.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ghirardo|first1=Diane Yvonne|title=Lucrezia Borgia as Entrepreneur.|journal=Renaissance Quarterly|date=Spring 2008|volume=61|issue=1|pages=53-91|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref>

===Family tree===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

===Other notable Borjas/Borgias===
The Borgian era, or the time period when the Borgia family had its greatest influence, started in the early 16th century{{Citation needed|reason=No sources given|date=December 2014}}, about the time of the death of Lucrezia in 1519. The Borgia family had influence during the age of the Renaissance and the beginning of the [[Age of Discovery]]. This was the era of many artists, writers and rulers who have influenced the modern age.

Gioffre Borgia (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia, married Sancia (Sancha) of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as dowry both the Principality of [[Squillace]] (1494) and the Duchy of [[Alvito]] (1497).

Although Gioffre was deprived of Alvito after the death of Sancia in 1506, he managed to retain Squillace. He subsequently married Maria de Mila, and passed it on to their son Francesco Borgia.

The Borgia Princes were: Gioffre, Francesco, Giovanni, Pietro and finally Anna e Donna Antonia Borgia D’Aragona on whose death, in 1735, it passed to Bourbon Kings of the Two Sicilies. Living either in Naples or Spain the Borgias ruled their fief through governors.

Not all the Borgias were corrupt or violent. [[Saint Francis Borgia]] (1510–1572), a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI, did not follow his relatives. He had fathered a number of children and after his wife died, Francisco determined to enter the [[Society of Jesus]], recently formed by [[Ignatius of Loyola|Saint Ignatius of Loyola]] and became a highly effective organizer of the still new order. His efforts were effective, as the Church canonized the Jesuit Francisco on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>

Another Borgian who lived after the Borgian era was cardinal [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645). Unlike many of his relatives, Gaspar preferred to use the Spanish spelling of Borgia: Borja. He was born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain. He was related to both Pope Callixtus III and Pope Alexander VI, and some historians believe that Gaspar wished, like his relatives, to become Pope. He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].

== Controversies ==
[[File:C o a Alessandro VI.svg|thumb|right|alt=The picture the papal arms of Alexander VI.|Papal Arms of Alexander VI]]

=== Rodrigo ===

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[http://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]] and [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]. However other researchers, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [http://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

=== Lucrezia and Cesare===
{{Refimprove section|date=August 2013}}
Some historians say that Cesare Borgia murdered his brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia]]; however there is no clear evidence that he actually did.

There is also the case of Perotto, Lucrezia's lover. When Cesare found out about Lucrezia’s pregnancy, he was so furious that he had the father of the child murdered. The body of Perotto (a young chamberlain, the father of the child) was fished out of the Tiber. Also, the body of a chambermaid was found in the river; she had apparently been murdered for giving the lovers a chance to meet in secret. Both murders are believed to have been commissioned by Cesare.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

== Portraits of the Borja or Borgia ==

<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Lucrezia, Cesare, Giovanni, and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucretia Borgia Pinturicchio.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Modena and Ferrara
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|[[Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia]] President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File: Esquilache1.jpg | [[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''Borgia'' by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1974) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Milo Manara
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series <ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Assassin's Creed]] series <ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* The Black-Briar Family from [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]].
{{Div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family|List of popes from the Borja or Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
# Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
# Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
# Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
# [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
# Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
# Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
# [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf Duran, Eulàlia: The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]

==External links==
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

House of Borgia

2015-10-30T06:05:53Z

Jdurbo: /* Portraits of the Borja or Borgia */

{{Redirect|Borgia|other uses|Borgia (disambiguation)}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Cleanup-rewrite|date=November 2012}}
{{POV|date=August 2013}}
}}
{{Infobox noble house
|surname = Borgia
|native_name = Borja
|native_name_lang = Spanish
|coat of arms = Escudo de la familia Borja.svg
|image_size = 200px
|caption = [[Motto]]: "Either a Caesar or nothing" ({{lang-la|Aut Caesar, aut nihil}})
|type = [[Dynasty|Noble house]]
|country = [[Spain]], [[Italy]], [[France]]
|titles = * "[[Pope]]"
* "[[Principality of Piombino|Prince of Piombino]]"
* "[[Prince]] of [[Teano]]"
* "[[Grandee of Spain]]"
* "[[Duke of Gandía]]"
* "[[Duke of Sessa]]"
* "[[Duchy of Urbino|Duke of Urbino]]"
* "[[Duke of Valentinois]]"
* "[[Duke]] of [[Romagna]]"
* "[[Marquis]] of [[Navarrés]]"
* "[[Count]] of [[Diois]]"
|founded = {{Start date|1455}}
|founder = [[Alfons de Borja]]
|final ruler = [[Pope Alexander VI]]
|current head = [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]]
|deposition = {{End date|1672}}
|ethnicity = [[Spanish people|Spanish]]
}}
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Gandia|dukes of Gandía]].]]
[[File:Blason César Borgia (1475-1507).svg|thumb|left|upright|Coat of arms of the [[Duke of Valentinois|dukes of Valentinois]].]]

The '''House of Borgia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɔr|dʒ|ə|,|_|-|ʒ|ə}}; {{IPA-it|ˈbɔrdʒa|lang}}; {{lang-es|Borja}} {{IPA-es|ˈborxa|}}; {{lang-va|Borja}} {{IPA-ca|ˈbɔɾdʒa|}}) family became prominent during the [[Renaissance]] in Italy. They were from [[Valencia]], the surname being a toponymic from [[Borja, Aragon|Borja]], then in the [[Crown of Aragon]], in [[Spain]].

The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes: Alfons de Borja, who ruled as [[Pope Callixtus III]] during 1455–1458, and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, as [[Pope Alexander VI]], during 1492–1503.

Especially during the reign of Alexander VI, they were suspected of many crimes, including [[adultery]], [[incest]], [[simony]], [[theft]], [[bribery]]{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}, and [[murder]] (especially murder by [[arsenic poisoning]]).<ref>''Arsenic: A Murderous History''. Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, 2009</ref> Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of the [[House of Medici|Medici]], the [[House of Sforza|Sforza]], and the Dominican friar [[Girolamo Savonarola|Savonarola]], among others. They were also patrons of the arts who contributed to the Renaissance.

__TOC__

== History ==

=== Early history ===
The Borja or Borgia emerged from [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]] in the Crown of Aragon, [[Spain]]. There were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of [[Jewish]] origin. These underground rumours were propagated by, among others, [[Giuliano della Rovere]], and the family was frequently described as [[marranos]] by political opponents. The rumours have persisted in popular culture for centuries, listed in the ''Semi-Gotha'' of 1912.<ref>The Menorah journal, Volumes 20-23, Intercollegiate Menorah Association, 1932, page 163</ref><ref>''The Borgias: or, At the feet of Venus'', Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, P. Dutton & Co. Inc., 1930, pages 242, 313</ref><ref>''Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy'', by Sarah Bradford</ref>

===Alfons===
{{Main|Pope Calixtus III}}
Alfons de Borja, later known as [[Pope Callixtus III]] (1378–1458), was born to Francina Llançol and [[Domingo de Borja]] in La Torreta, [[Canals, Valencia|Canals]], which was then situated in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]].

Alfons de Borja was a professor of law at the [[University of Lleida]], then a diplomat for the [[List of Aragonese monarchs|Kings of Aragon]] before becoming a cardinal. He was elected Pope Callixtus III in 1455, at an advanced age, as a compromise candidate and reigned as Pope for just 3 years.

=== Rodrigo ===
{{Main|Pope Alexander VI}}
[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] (1431–1503), one of Alfonso’s nephews, was born in [[Xàtiva]], also in the [[Kingdom of Valencia]] to Isabel de Borja i Cavanilles and [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]. He studied law at Bologna and was [[Cardinal Nephew|appointed as cardinal by his uncle]], Alfonso Borgia, Pope Callixtus III. He was elected Pope in 1492, taking the [[regnal name]] Alexander VI. While a cardinal, he maintained a long-term illicit relationship with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei|Vanozza dei Cattanei]], with whom he had four children: [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]]; [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]; [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]; and [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]]. Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, [[Giulia Farnese]].

As Alexander VI, Rodrigo was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat, but was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices (simony), lasciviousness, and nepotism. As Pope, he struggled to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]], as [[Gonfalonier of the Church|captain-general of the papal army]], his foremost military representative, and established another son, [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]], as a cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the [[House of Sforza|Sforza family]], which comprised the Milanese faction, was one of the most powerful in Europe, so Alexander united the two families by marrying Lucrezia to [[Giovanni Sforza]]. He also married Gioffre, his youngest son from Vannozza, to [[Sancha of Aragon]] of the [[Crown of Aragon|Crown of Aragon and Naples]]. He established a second familial link to the Spanish royal house through Giovanni's marriage during what was a period of on-again/off-again conflict between France and Spain over the Kingdom of Naples.

Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting a disease, generally believed to have been malaria. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref>

=== Cesare ===
[[File:A Glass of Wine with Caesar Borgia - John Collier.jpg|thumb|alt=The painting shows (from the left) Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia and his father Pope Alexander VI.|Painting by [[John Collier (Pre-Raphaelite painter)|John Collier]], ''"A glass of wine with Caesar Borgia"'', from left: Cesare Borgia, Lucrezia, Pope Alexander, and a young man holding an empty glass. The painting represents the popular view of the treacherous nature of the Borgias - the implication being that the young man cannot be sure that the wine is not poisoned.]]
{{Main|Cesare Borgia}}
Cesare was Rodrigo Borgia's second son with [[Vannozza dei Cattanei]]. Cesare's education was precisely planned by his father: he was educated by tutors in Rome until his 12th birthday. He grew up to become a charming man skilled at war and politics.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|work=Thames & Hudson Dictionary of the Italian Renaissance, The |location=London |publisher=Thames & Hudson |year=2006}}</ref> He studied law and the humanities at the [[University of Perugia]], then went to the [[University of Pisa]] to study theology. As soon as he graduated from the university, his father made him a cardinal.

Cesare was suspected of murdering his brother Giovanni, but there is no clear evidence to confirm this. However, Giovanni’s death cleared the path for Cesare to become a layman and gain the honors his brother received from their father, Pope Alexander VI.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Najemy|first1=John|title=Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia: A Reconsideration of Chapter 7 of The Prince.|date=September 2013|publisher=Review of politics|pages=p539-556|edition=Volume 75 Issue 4|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref> Although Cesare had been a cardinal, he left the holy orders to gain power and take over the position Giovanni once held: a [[condottiero]]. He was finally married to French princess [[Charlotte of Albret|Charlotte d'Albret]].

After Alexander’s death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of a next Pope. He needed a candidate who would not threaten his plans to create his own principality in [[Central Italy]]. Cesare’s candidate ([[Pius III]]) did become Pope, but he died a month after the selection. Cesare was now forced to support [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]]. The cardinal promised Cesare that he could keep all of his titles and honors. Later, della Rovere betrayed him and became his fiercest enemy.

Cesare died in 1507, at [[Viana, Spain|Viana]] Castle in [[Navarre]], Spain while besieging the rebellious army of Count de [[Lerín]]. The castle was held by [[Louis de Beaumont, 2nd Count de Lerín|Louis de Beaumont]] at the time it was besieged by Cesare Borgia and [[John III of Navarre|King John]]'s army of 10,000 men in 1507. In order to attempt to breach the extremely strong, natural fortification of the castle, Cesare counted on a desperate surprise attack. Not only did he fail to take the castle, he was killed during the battle.

=== Lucrezia ===
{{Main|Lucrezia Borgia}}
Lucrezia was born in Subiaco, Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vanozza Catanei. Before the age of 13, she was engaged to two Spanish princes. After her father became Pope she was married to [[Giovanni Sforza]] in 1493 at the age of 13. It was a typical political marriage to improve Alexander's power; however, when Pope Alexander VI did not need the Sforzas any more, the marriage was annulled in 1497, on the dubious grounds that it had never been consummated.

Shortly afterwards she was involved in a scandal involving her alleged relationship with a Pedro Calderon, a Spaniard generally known as Perotto. His body was found in the Tiber on February 14, 1498 along with the body of one of Lucrezia's ladies. It is likely that Cesare had them killed as an affair would have damaged the negotiations being conducted for another marriage. During this time rumors were also spread suggesting that a child born at this time, [[Giovanni Borgia (Infans Romanus)|Giovanni Borgia]], also known as the ''Infans Romanus'' (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bradford|first=Sarah|title=Lucrezia Borgia: Life, Love and Death in Renaissance Italy|year=2005|edition=Reprint|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0143035954|pages=67–68}}</ref>

Lucrezia’s second marriage, to wealthy young Prince [[Alfonso of Aragon (1481–1500)|Alfonso]] of Aragon, allowed the Borgias to form an alliance with another powerful family. However, this relationship did not last long either. Cesare wished to strengthen his relations with France and completely break with the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. As [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso's father]] was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples, the young husband was in great danger. Although the first attempt at murder did not succeed, Alfonso was eventually strangled in his own quarters.

Lucrezia's third and final husband was [[Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]. After her father died in 1503, she lived a life of freedom in Ferrara with her husband and children.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Borgia, Lucrezia (1480–1519)|title=The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women |location=London |publisher=Penguin |year=1998}}</ref> Unfortunately, her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after the birth and death of her last child, Isabella Maria. She was buried in a tomb with Isabella and Alfonso.

Lucrezia was a budding capitalist entrepreneur, leveraging her own capital by obtaining marshland at negligible cost and then investing in massive reclamation enterprises. She also raised livestock and rented parts of her newly arable land for short terms, nearly doubling her annual income in the process.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ghirardo|first1=Diane Yvonne|title=Lucrezia Borgia as Entrepreneur.|journal=Renaissance Quarterly|date=Spring 2008|volume=61|issue=1|pages=53-91|accessdate=20 February 2015}}</ref>

===Family tree===
[[File:Borgia-genealog.png|center|800px|alt=The genealogical tree of Borgia Family.|Borja or Borgia genealogy tree]]

===Other notable Borjas/Borgias===
The Borgian era, or the time period when the Borgia family had its greatest influence, started in the early 16th century{{Citation needed|reason=No sources given|date=December 2014}}, about the time of the death of Lucrezia in 1519. The Borgia family had influence during the age of the Renaissance and the beginning of the [[Age of Discovery]]. This was the era of many artists, writers and rulers who have influenced the modern age.

Gioffre Borgia (1482–1516), son of Pope Alexander VI and younger brother of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia, married Sancia (Sancha) of Aragon, daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, obtaining as dowry both the Principality of [[Squillace]] (1494) and the Duchy of [[Alvito]] (1497).

Although Gioffre was deprived of Alvito after the death of Sancia in 1506, he managed to retain Squillace. He subsequently married Maria de Mila, and passed it on to their son Francesco Borgia.

The Borgia Princes were: Gioffre, Francesco, Giovanni, Pietro and finally Anna e Donna Antonia Borgia D’Aragona on whose death, in 1735, it passed to Bourbon Kings of the Two Sicilies. Living either in Naples or Spain the Borgias ruled their fief through governors.

Not all the Borgias were corrupt or violent. [[Saint Francis Borgia]] (1510–1572), a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI, did not follow his relatives. He had fathered a number of children and after his wife died, Francisco determined to enter the [[Society of Jesus]], recently formed by [[Ignatius of Loyola|Saint Ignatius of Loyola]] and became a highly effective organizer of the still new order. His efforts were effective, as the Church canonized the Jesuit Francisco on 20 June 1670.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Francis Borgia (1510–1572)|title=Who's Who in Christianity |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2001}}</ref>

Another Borgian who lived after the Borgian era was cardinal [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] (1580–1645). Unlike many of his relatives, Gaspar preferred to use the Spanish spelling of Borgia: Borja. He was born at [[Villalpando]] in Spain. He was related to both Pope Callixtus III and Pope Alexander VI, and some historians believe that Gaspar wished, like his relatives, to become Pope. He served as [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]].

== Controversies ==
[[File:C o a Alessandro VI.svg|thumb|right|alt=The picture the papal arms of Alexander VI.|Papal Arms of Alexander VI]]

=== Rodrigo ===

It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted [[orgy|orgies]] in the Vatican palace. The "[[Banquet of Chestnuts]]" is considered one of the most disreputable balls of this kind. [[Johann Burchard]] reports that fifty [[courtesan]]s were in attendance for the entertainment of the banquet guests.<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', 1921, F.L. Glaser, ed., New York, N.L. Brown, pp. 154-155.[http://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA154]</ref> It is alleged not only was the Pope present, but also two of his children, [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]] and [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]]. However other researchers, such as Monsignor Peter de Roo (1839–1926), have rejected the rumors of the "fifty courtesans" as being at odds with Alexander VI's essentially decent but much maligned character.<ref>In 5 volumes totaling nearly 3 thousand pages, and including many unpublished documents,* Msgr. de Roo labors to defend his thesis that pope Alexander, far from being a monster of vice (as he has so often been portrayed) was, on the contrary, "a man of good moral character and an excellent Pope." ''Material'', vol. 1, preface, xi. [http://books.google.com/books?id=y2Q2AAAAMAAJ&q=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&dq=%22+a+man+of+good+moral+character+and+an+excellent+Pope%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=K0sMT_2sCojU2AWsh8moBw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw] [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt/search?id=mdp.39015013144210;view=1up;seq=15;q1=%22a%20man%20of%20good%20moral%20character%20and%20an%20excellent%20Pope%22;start=1;size=10;page=search;orient=0] * "[Peter de Roo] must have devoted to his task many years of research among the Vatican archives and elsewhere. As he tells us himself in a characteristic passage: "We continued our search after facts and proofs from country to country, and spared neither labour nor money in order to thoroughly investigate who was Alexander VI., of what he had been accused, and especially what he had done." Whether all this toil has been profitably expended is a matter upon which opinions are likely to differ. But we must in any case do Mgr. de Roo the justice of admitting that he has succeeded in compiling from original and often unpublished sources a much more copious record of the pontiff's creditable activities than has ever been presented to the world before." -- ''Pope Alexander VI and His Latest Biographer'', in ''[[The Month]]'', April, 1925, Volume 145, p. 289.[https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=%22election+as+Pope,+and+nepotism+In+providing+lavishly+for+his+offspring.%22&num=10#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22+succeeded+in+compiling+from+original+and+often+unpublished+sources+a+much+more+copious+record+of+the+pontiff%27s+creditable+activities+than+has+ever+been+presented+to+the+world+before.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=51746l54051l3l54496l2l1l0l0l0l0l129l129l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=91f960342228ac50&biw=1045&bih=617]</ref>

=== Lucrezia and Cesare===
{{Refimprove section|date=August 2013}}
Some historians say that Cesare Borgia murdered his brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia]]; however there is no clear evidence that he actually did.

There is also the case of Perotto, Lucrezia's lover. When Cesare found out about Lucrezia’s pregnancy, he was so furious that he had the father of the child murdered. The body of Perotto (a young chamberlain, the father of the child) was fished out of the Tiber. Also, the body of a chambermaid was found in the river; she had apparently been murdered for giving the lovers a chance to meet in secret. Both murders are believed to have been commissioned by Cesare.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

Lucrezia was rumored to be a notorious poisoner and she became famous for her skill at political intrigue. However, recently historians have started to look at her in a more positive light: she is often seen as a victim of her family’s deceptions.<ref>Lucrezia Borgia: A Biography. Rachel Erlanger, 1978</ref>

== Portraits of the Borja or Borgia ==

<gallery>
File:Alfonso de Borja, obispo de Valencia y papa Calixto III.jpg|[[Pope Callixtus III|Alfons de Borja]] Pope Callixtus III
File:Pope Alexander Vi.jpg|[[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]] Pope Alexander VI, father of Lucrezia, Cesare, Giovanni, and Gioffre.
File:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]] [[Duke of Gandia|2nd Duke of Gandia]]
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]] [[Duke of Valentinois]]
File:Lucretia Borgia Pinturicchio.jpg|[[Lucrezia Borgia]] Duchess of Modena and Ferrara
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia|Francisco Borgia]] Saint Francis Borgia, S.J., [[Duke of Gandia|4th Duke of Gandia]]
File:JUAN DE BORJA Y ARMENDIA.jpg|[[Juan de Borja y Arnau|Juan Buenaventura de Borja y Armendia]] President of the [[:es:Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá|Real Audiencia de Santa Fe de Bogotá]]
File:Cardenal Gaspar de Borja y Velasco.JPG|[[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] Cardinal, [[Primacy of the Diocese of Toledo|Primate of Spain]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|Archbishop of Seville]], and [[List of viceroys of Naples|Archbishop and Viceroy of Naples]]
File: Esquilache1.jpg | [[Francisco de Borja y Aragón]] Prince of [[Squillace]] and [[Viceroy of Peru]]
</gallery>

== In popular culture ==
The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture, including novels, plays, operas, comics, films, television series and video games.
{{Div col | 3}}
* ''[[The Prince]]'' (1513) by [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
* ''The Borgias'' (1802) by [[Alexandre Dumas|Alexandre Dumas, père]]<ref>http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Borgias1.html</ref>
* ''Borgia'' by [[Michel Zevaco]]
* ''The Banner of the Bull'' (1915) by [[Rafael Sabatini]]
* ''[[Then and Now (novel)|Then and Now]]'' (1946) by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
* ''[[Prince of Foxes]]'' (1947) by [[Samuel Shellabarger]]
* ''The Borgia Testament'' (1948) by [[Nigel Balchin]]
* ''The Scarlet City'' (1952) by [[Hella Haasse]]
* ''Madonna of the Seven Hills'' (1958) by [[Jean Plaidy]]
* ''Light on Lucrezia'' (1958) by Jean Plaidy
* ''Francesca'' (1977) by Valentina Luellen
* ''[[City of God (Holland novel)|City of God: A Novel of the Borgias]]'' (1979) by [[Cecelia Holland]]<ref name="Maclaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalnovels.info/City-of-God.html |title=''City of God'' by Cecelia Holland |first=David |last=Maclaine |website=Historicalnovels.info |accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[The Antipope]]'' (1981) by [[Robert Rankin]]
* ''A Matter of Taste'' (1990) by [[Fred Saberhagen]]
* ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'' (2001) by [[Mario Puzo]]
* ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror Mirror]]'' (2003) by [[Gregory Maguire]]
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]]
* ''[[Queen of the Slayers]]'' (2005) by [[Nancy Holder]]
* ''[[The Medici Seal]]'' (2006) by [[Theresa Breslin]]
* ''[[Cantarella (manga)|Cantarella]]'' (2001–2010) by [[You Higuri]] (manga)
* ''[[Cesare (manga)|Cesare]]'' (2005-) by [[Fuyumi Soryo]] (manga)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (play)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Victor Hugo]] (play)
* ''[[Lucrezia Borgia (opera)|Lucrezia Borgia]]'' (1833) by [[Gaetano Donizetti]] (opera)
* ''[[Prince of Foxes (film)|Prince of Foxes]]'' (1949), starring [[Orson Welles]]
* ''[[Bride of Vengeance]]'' (1949), starring [[Paulette Goddard]], [[John Lund (actor)|John Lund]], [[Macdonald Carey]]
* ''[[Contes immoraux]]'', (1974) French film by [[Walerian Borowczyk]]
* ''Los Borgia'' (2006), Spanish film by [[Antonio Hernández]]
* ''[[The Conclave]]'' (2006), film by [[Paul Donovan (writer)|Paul Donovan]]
* ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (1981), [[BBC Two]] TV miniseries
* ''[[Borgia (TV series)|Borgia]]'' (2011), [[Canal +]] TV series
* ''Borgia'' (2011), comic by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Milo Manara
* ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011), [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] TV series <ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Deirdre|title=Back in time and in crime with Borgias|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=Life|date=24 March 2011}}</ref>
* The [[Assassin's Creed]] series <ref>{{cite news|last1=Snider|first1=Mike|title='Assassin' is back with 'Brotherhood'|accessdate=11 February 2015|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>
* The Black-Briar Family from [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]].
{{Div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Grandee of Spain]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family|List of popes from the Borja or Borgia family]]
* [[Castello Borgia (disambiguation)|Borgia castles]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
# Fusero, Clemete. The Borgias. New York, Praeger Publishers, 1966.
# Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. New York, Simon and Schusters, 1946, pp. 218, 220, 222.
# Hale, John R. Renaissance. New York, Time-Life Books, 1965, p. 85.
# [http://www.informp.net/~kujira/bint.html "Mad Dogs and Spaniards: An Interview with Cesare Borgia." World and Image, 1996.]
# Rath, John R. "Borgia." World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 edition. World Book Inc., 1917, pp. 499–500.
# Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1. (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.
# [http://www.raco.cat/index.php/catalanhistoricalreview/article/viewFile/131014/180938.pdf Duran, Eulàlia: The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature]

==External links==
* [http://centropolis.homestead.com/SC_Library.html Centropolis.homestead_Library]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf Boletín de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía]
* {{es icon}} [http://www.alfonselmagnanim.com/debats/100/encontres01.htm La familia Borja: Religión y poder. Entrevista a Miguel Batllori]
* {{es icon}} [http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/4867/1/RHM_15_16.pdf La mirada sobre los Borja (Notas críticas para un estado de la cuestión)]
* [http://revistes.iec.cat/index.php/CHR/article/view/40579 The Borja Family: Historiography, Legend and Literature by Eulàlia Duran, Institut d’Estudis Catalans]
* [http://www.tennapel.net/borgia/birdeye.htm History of the Borgia Family]
* [http://www.elsborja.org/ Institut Internacional d'Estudis Borgians]

{{Royal houses of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:House Of Borgia}}
[[Category:Families of post-ancient Rome|Borgia]]
[[Category:House of Borgia| ]]
[[Category:Papal families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Spanish families|Borja]]
[[Category:Spanish noble families|Borja]]
[[Category:Italian families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Italian noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French families|Borgia]]
[[Category:French noble families|Borgia]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Duke of Gandía

2015-10-16T02:46:57Z

Jdurbo:

The hereditary Spanish title '''duke of [[Gandía]]''' ({{lang-va|'''Ducat de Gandia'''}}, {{IPA-ca|duˈkad de ɡanˈdi.a|IPA}}) has its origin in the "[[Manorialism]] of Gandía" founded in 1323 by [[James II of Aragon]] and was created in 1399 as ''Duke of Gandía'' by [[Martin of Aragon]] and granted to [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]]. Later, having no direct descendants, the title passed from the [[House of Aragon]] to the [[House of Trastámara]]. The title was re-established in 1483 by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] as a favour to [[Pope Alexander VI|Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia]] for his son [[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pedro Luis]] (Pier Luigi de Borgia).<ref>Hollingsworth p. 144</ref>

The dukedom went to Pier Luigi's half-brother [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Juan Borgia]]. He was assassinated, and his young son became Duke. The fourth duke was the religious figure [[Francesco Borgia]]. He became a [[Jesuit]], but after the death of his wife with whom he had a large family, became the fifth duke. The sixth duke's younger son [[Gaspar de Borja y Velasco]] became a bishop and diplomat and cardinal.

== Dukes of Gandía ==

=== House of Aragon ===
[[File:Blason Alphonse d'Aragon, Marquis de Vilena (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Aragon]]
* Pedro de Aragón y Anjou. Manorialism of Gandía. (1323-1359)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Foix]] (Manorialism of Gandía 1359-1399) (as a Duke of Gandia in 1399-1412)
# [[Alfonso of Aragon and Eiximenis]] (1412-1422)
# Hugo de Cardona y de Gandia (1425-1433)

=== House of Trastamara ===
* [[John II of Aragon]] (1433-1439)
* [[Charles, Prince of Viana]] (1439-1461)
* [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] (1461-1483)

=== House of Borja or Borgia ===
[[File:COA Duke of Gandia.svg|thumb|Coat of arms of the dukes of Gandía of the House of Borja or Borgia]]

The 20th December 1483, the title was re-established by [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]] and granted to the [[House of Borgia]], of Spain and Italy.<ref>6. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1 "The Borgias". (Old Catholic Encyclopedia) New York, Robert Appleton Company (a.k.a. The Encyclopedia Press), 1907.</ref>

# [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pier Luigi de Borgia]] (Pedro Luis de Borja), 1st duke
# [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] (Juan de Borja), 2nd duke
# Juan de Borja y Enríquez de Luna, son of Giovanni Borgia, (1495–1543), 3rd duke
# [[Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía|Saint Francis Borgia, 4th duke]]
# Carlos de Borja y Aragón, 5th duke
# Francisco Tomás de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 6th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 7th duke
# Francisco Diego Pascual de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 8th duke
# Francisco Carlos de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 9th duke
# Pascual Francisco de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 10th duke
# Luis Ignacio Francisco Juan de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 11th duke
# María Ana Antonia Luisa de Borja Aragón y Centelles, 12th duchess (d. 1748)

Currently the only [[patrilineality|patrilineal family]] Borja or Borgia (Duke of Gandia - papal lineage straight from John Borja and Cattanei) is found in Ecuador and Chile. One of his prominent descendants was [[Rodrigo Borja Cevallos]], former [[president of Ecuador]].

=== House of Pimentel ===
* Francisco de Borja Alfonso Pimentel y Borja
* María Josefa Pimentel y Téllez-Girón

=== House of Osuna ===
* Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort
* Pedro de Alcantara Téllez-Girón y Fernández de Santillán
* María de los Dolores Téllez-Girón y Dominé
* Ángela María Téllez-Girón y Duque de Estrada (since 1952)
* Ángela María de Solís-Beaumont, XVII duchess of Arcos
* Ángela María de Ulloa, XXI condesa de Ureña

==See also==
*[[House of Borgia]]
*[[Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba]]
*[[Route of the Borgias]]
*[[Ducal Palace of Gandia]]
*[[History of Spain]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
* [http://www.tpsalomonreinach.mom.fr/Reinach/MOM_TP_071825/MOM_TP_071825_0005/PDF/MOM_TP_071825_0005.pdf Van de Put, Albert: The aragonese double crown the Borja or Borgia device]
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA {{es icon}}
* Hollingsworth, Mary (2011): The Borgias. History's Most Notorious Dynasty. Quercus. ISBN 978-0857389169
* Flórez de Ocáriz, Juan. [http://190.216.196.133/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=FwJvjXCe5T/B.NACIONAL/3050007/123# Genealogías del Nuevo Reyno de Granada]. (New Kingdom of Granada Genealogies) ''[[National Library of Colombia]]''.
* Piedrahita, Lucas. [http://190.216.196.133/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=AYb7PfeeDL/B.NACIONAL/3050007/123 Historia General de las Conquistas del Nuevo Reyno de Granada]. (General History of the New Kingdom of Granada Conquest) ''[[National Library of Colombia]]''.
* National Library of Colombia, [http://www.bibliotecanacional.gov.co/content/tesoros-de-la-biblioteca-nacional-0 Literary Treasures of the Nation]. ''Treasures of the National Library of Colombia''.
* jesús, María, Joseph y San Francisco de Borja. [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=qkwb4oofYQUC&pg=PA386&lpg=PA386&dq=violante+Matheus+de+armendia&source=bl&ots=f9swNkIp8k&sig=AIGPs2aqwp_pDNAbp1FM1h2fEg0&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMIyN7f3_TWxwIVhhoeCh128Avc#v=onepage&q=violante%20arnau&f=false Substantial extract and concerted relation respect the crime] room resulting of the Count Duke of Benavente and Gandia cause followed against Pedro Pascual de Bonanza, lawter, about falsehood and suplantation of different legal instruments in the House of Borgia Inheritace case. ..Page 429, incise 42.
* [https://books.google.com.co/books?id=0_z6NJ9YYLwC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=violante+de+armendariz&source=bl&ots=j9iHhsfKmQ&sig=hRT9FZbq7vLkAelHs1oWBT3ZHhs&hl=es&sa=X&ved=0CCoQ6AEwA2oVChMIhMfy-YDVxwIVRmseCh00-QSz#v=onepage&q=violante%20de%20armendariz&f=false Pellicer Catálogo Colección]. Before named, ''Grandezas de España''. Book IV. Incise 22.

==External links==
* [http://bivaldi.gva.es/es/corpus/unidad.cmd?idUnidad=56696&idCorpus=20000&posicion=1 Gregorio Mayans y la práctica jurídica: Su intervención en el pleito de sucesión el Ducado de Gandía] {{es icon}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gandia, Duke Of}}
[[Category:Dukedoms of Spain]]
[[Category:Dukes of Gandía| ]]
[[Category:Route of the Borgias]]

Lincoln Verduga Loor

2015-06-25T04:43:18Z

Jdurbo:

'''Lincoln Verduga Loor''' (Chone, December 25, 1917 - Portoviejo, January 15, 2009) was an Ecuadorian journalist and politician known for a long career in public service in his country.

{{Infobox Officeholder
|name = Lincoln Verduga Loor
|image = Livelo.jpg
|caption =
|term_start = 1967
|term_end = 1968
|office = Senator of Ecuador
|birth_date = {{birth date|1917|12|25|df=y}}
|birth_place = [[Chone, Ecuador|Chone]], [[Ecuador]]
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2009|1|15|1917|12|25|df=y}}|death_place = [[Portoviejo]], [[Ecuador]]
|party = [[Concentration of People's Forces]], [[Social Christian Party (Ecuador)|Social Christian Party]]
|spouse = Virginia Lara Murillo
|religion = [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]]
}}

== Biography ==
Lincoln Verduga Loor was the sixth of ten brethren children of Ramon Verduga Cornejo, hero of the liberal revolution, and former mayor of Chone, and his wife Lastenia Loor Montesdeoca. The Verduga Family was recognized for being journalists, deputys and ministers.<ref>http://www.explored.com.ec/noticias-ecuador/curriculum-vitae-de-cesar-verduga-velez-110372.html</ref> His brethren were: Eulalia, Carmen, Francisco, Clara, Franklin, Wilson, Colombia, Rosa Lastenia and Tasso Verduga Loor.

==Public career ==
Lincoln made his primary education at the centenary school of Chone, Juan Montalvo; and [[Secondary education|secondary]] at Pedro Carbo College in Bahía de Caráquez and then specializes in Quito Technique Central in Graphic Arts, which included at the time the typesetter and photoengraver specialty.
[[File:El-clarin.jpg|thumb|left|'''''"El Clarín"''' newspaper, referring in harsh terms to the president '''Velasco Ibarra.''''']]
From an early age he excelled in public activity being his first work at age 17, to oversee the work of the road Chone-Quito with Engineer Isaac Solórzano.<ref>http://www.eldiario.com.ec/noticias-manabi-ecuador/99480-perfiles-lincoln-verduga-loor/</ref>

He was director of the extinct CRM by seven occasions, Director of the Civil Registry of Portoviejo in the year 1966 and appears also as Secretary of the Interior of Manabi. In 1966, made a milestone in his journalist, along with his brother Franklin, founding the newspaper "El Popular", which later was renamed to "El Clarín", from which fought hard, populist and anti-democratic policies of former President [[José María Velasco Ibarra]].

Due to the strong opposition of the Verduga brothers to the Velasquism, the former president sent fire facilities of "El Clarin", ending their issues, but not the journalistic career of Lincoln, who through his career, he became Senator for the Ecuadorian press 1967.<ref>http://www.eldiario.com.ec/noticias-manabi-ecuador/105567-lincoln-verduga-loor-fallecio-ayer/</ref> From the Senate, prompted several [[Bill (law)|Bills]] and [[Constitutional reform]]s.

His public life was when he and his brothers Wilson and Franklin, and the management of [[Medardo Mora]], contributed to the creation of the Lay University Eloy Alfaro of Manabi, and with Dr. Ruben Dario Morales, managed the extension of the Lay University Vicente Rocafuerte in [[Portoviejo]], which later became the San Gregorio University of Portoviejo.<ref>http://www.elautonomista.com/autonomia-manabi/proceso-historico-de-creacion-de-la-universidad-laica-eloy-alfaro-de-manabi/</ref>

==Last years ==
During the last stage of his life, he married with Virginia Lara Murillo in subsequent nuptials, and developed as Head of Placements in the [[Ministry of Labour]], retiring in 1991. being the last public office he held. Lincoln died as the result of a long illness on January 15, 2009, leaving a legacy to journalism in Ecuador, specifically in Manabí.

== See also ==
*[[Chone, Ecuador]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Persondata
| NAME = Loor, Lincoln Verduga
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Ecuadorian politician
| DATE OF BIRTH = December 25, 1917
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Chone, [[Ecuador]]
| DATE OF DEATH = January 15, 2009
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Portoviejo]], [[Ecuador]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Verduga Loor, Lincoln}}
[[Category:1917 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Chone, Ecuador]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian journalists]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the National Congress (Ecuador)]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian Roman Catholics]]

Elms College

2014-03-29T04:56:32Z

Jdurbo: /* Notable alumni */

{{redirect|Lady of the Elms|the Ohio school|Our Lady of the Elms High School}}
{{Refimprove|date=June 2009}}
{{Infobox_University
|name=College of Our Lady of the Elms
|logo=[[Image:Elmscollegeseal.png|150px]]
|image_name=Berchmans Hall, Elms College, Chicopee MA.jpg
|image_size=250px
|caption=Berchmans Hall
|latin_name=Collegium Dominae Nostrae In Ulmis
|motto=''Viam Veritatis Elegi''
|mottoeng="I have chosen the way of truth"
|established=1928
|type=[[Private university|Private]]
|affiliation=[[Sisters of St. Joseph]]
|endowment= [[United States dollar|US$]]12 million
|president=Sister Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D.
|undergrad=1,118
|faculty=67
|city= [[Chicopee, Massachusetts|Chicopee]]
|state= [[Massachusetts]]
|country= [[United States]]
|coor= {{Coord|42|8|32.15|N|72|36|5.00|W|display=title}}
|athletics=[[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]]
|nickname= Blazers
|colors=[[Green (color)|Green]], [[Gold (color)|Gold]], [[White]]
|website=[http://www.elms.edu www.elms.edu]
}}
The '''College of Our Lady of the Elms''', often called '''Elms College''', is a [[Catholic]] liberal arts college located in [[Chicopee, Massachusetts]], near [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]].

== History ==
The Sisters of St. Joseph and the Diocese of Springfield co-founded Elms as a girls' preparatory [[academy]] in [[Pittsfield, Massachusetts]], the Academy of Our Lady of the Elms, in 1897.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=vIpqqwX1yfEC&pg=PA45#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=American Universities and Colleges: A Dictionary of Name Changes |first=Alice H. |last=Songe |publisher=Scarecrow Press |location=Metuchen, N.J. |year=1978 |page=45 |isbn=0810811375}}</ref> In 1899, Rev. John McCoy and Bishop Thomas Beaven of the Springfield diocese purchased property in Chicopee and it became St. Joseph's Normal College.

In 1927, the [[Sisters of Saint Joseph]] petitioned the [[Commonwealth of Massachusetts]] to charter the school as a women's liberal arts college with a specialization in education, the charter was approved in 1928, and the name was changed to the College of Our Lady of the Elms with Rev. Thomas Mary O'Leary as the first president. Through the efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Springfield diocesan clergy, the curriculum was expanded through the 1940s and 1950s, and in 1953, an evening program was established.

To meet the needs of the surrounding community, Elms developed undergraduate programs in nursing, business management, and communication sciences and disorders during the 1960s and 1970s. In the late 1980s, Weekend College, paralegal studies and legal studies, and a master of arts degree program in teaching were instituted.

In 1994 Elms College opened the Maguire Center for Health, Fitness, and Athletics that includes an aerobics/weight room, a 25-meter handicapped-accessible six-lane pool, a wood-floored gymnasium, an elevated rubberized 100-meter track, a sports medicine facility, a laundry room, and four locker rooms.

The Elms College board of trustees voted 23–5 to begin admitting men, starting with the 1998–1999 school year, on October 7, 1997.

== Campus ==
The campus is about two miles north of [[Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts|Metro Center]] [[Springfield, Massachusetts]]. It is focused on the Keating Quadrangle, which lies at its center, and has 14 buildings.<ref>[http://www.elms.edu/about/map.htm Elms College Campus Map]</ref> In 2014, Elms College completed construction on the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, its first academic building in more than 30 years.

==Academics==
Elms is a four-year [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]]. It offers thirty-three [[academic major]]s to 814 full-time undergraduate students, and it employs 67 full-time [[Faculty (university)|faculty]] members.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}
Academically, the college is divided into the division of business, division of communication sciences and disorders, division of education, division of humanities and fine arts, division of natural sciences, mathematics and technology, and division of social sciences. In 2013, the division of nursing became the school of nursing.

== Student life ==
Traditions include Elms Night, an event in the beginning of the fall semester to welcome incoming first-year students. The event starts with an outdoor dinner where all Elms students and staff are invited. Freshmen are encouraged by seniors to sing a few lyrics from a song of choice during dinner. Following dinner, everyone meets in the Berchman's Hall Rotunda. Each class is assigned a pop song and sings for the other classes. At this point in the evening, seniors toss items from the second floor balcony to the freshmen on the first floor. Traditionally, the items were beanie caps. Now they vary from towels to wallets or other items. Often an Elms College student will keep this item at least until they graduate and, in many cases, long after that.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}

===Athletics===
The Elms College Blazers got their nickname from an old tradition when sophomore students would receive 'blazers' to wear as a seniority right. Although this tradition has long since been discontinued, the team name has stuck.

The Elms College Blazers team colors are a green, gold, and white. Elms competes at the [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]] level as part of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] in [[baseball]], [[basketball]], [[Cross country running|cross-country]], [[golf]], [[soccer]], [[softball]], [[volleyball]], [[field hockey]], [[lacrosse]], and [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]].<ref>[http://athletics.elms.edu/landing/index Elms College Athletics]</ref> The athletics at Elms are based out of The Maguire Center.<ref>http://athletics.elms.edu/information/facilities/index Maguire Center</ref>

==Notable faculty==
* [[Thomas Michael O'Leary]], co-founder and first president of Elms College
* [[Christopher Joseph Weldon]], president of Elms College from 1958 to 1977
* [[Paul Jenkins]], professor of poetry
* [[John Elder Robison]], adjunct professor, autistic author of two books, brother of [[Augusten Burroughs]]

==Notable alumni==
* [[Joan Hartley]], state senator from Connecticut
* [[Tracy Butler]], creator of the award-winning comic ''[[Lackadaisy]]''

== Notes and references ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.elms.edu/ Official website]
*[http://ecblazers.com/landing/index/ Official athletics website]

{{Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield}}
{{Women's Colleges that are Coeducational}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Chicopee, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1928]]
[[Category:Former women's universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:New England Association of Schools and Colleges]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic Universities and colleges in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Council of Independent Colleges]]
[[Category:National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities members]]
[[Category:Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts members]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Hampden County, Massachusetts]]

Talk:Pedro de la Roca de Borja

2014-01-27T05:19:31Z

Jdurbo:

{{WikiProjectBannerShell|1=
{{WikiProject European history|class=|importance=}}
{{WikiProject Military history|class=start|B1=|B2=|B3=|B4=|B5=|Biography=yes|Spanish=yes}}
{{WikiProject Spain|class=}}
}}

{{WikiProject Biography|living=no
|class=
|listas=Pedro, Pedro de la Roca de}
}}

There is no evidence that a member of the House of Borgia.

--[[User:Jdurbo|Jdurbo]] ([[User talk:Jdurbo|talk]]) 05:19, 27 January 2014 (UTC)

Pope Alexander VI

2013-12-23T21:42:41Z

Jdurbo: /* Mistresses and family */

{{refimprove|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox Christian leader
|type = Pope
|honorific-prefix = Pope
|name = Alexander VI
|image = Pope Alexander Vi.jpg
|image_size = 220px
|term_start = 11 August 1492
|term_end = 18 August 1503
|predecessor = [[Pope Innocent VIII|Innocent VIII]]
|successor = [[Pope Pius III|Pius III]]
|ordination = 1468<ref name=CE1913>{{ws|"[[s:Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)/Pope Alexander VI|Pope Alexander VI]]" in the 1913 ''Catholic Encyclopedia''}}</ref>
|consecration = 30 October 1471
|cardinal = 17 September 1456
|created_cardinal_by = [[Pope Callixtus III|Callixtus III]]

|birth_name = Roderic Llançol i de Borja (Rodrigo Borgia)
|birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1431|1|1}}
|birth_place = [[Xàtiva]], [[Kingdom of Valencia]], [[Crown of Aragon]]
|death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1503|8|18|1431|1|1}}
|death_place = Rome, [[Papal States]]
|buried = [[Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli]], Rome
|nationality = [[Crown of Aragon|Aragonese]]
|religion = [[Roman Catholic]]
|previous_post = {{unbulleted list|[[San Nicola in Carcere|Cardinal-Deacon of San Nicola in Carcere]] (1456–1471)|[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Girona|Administrator of Gerona]] (1457–1458)|[[Santa Maria in Via Lata|Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria in Via Lata]] (1458–1492)|[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Valencia|Administrator of Valencia]] (1458–1492)|[[Roman Catholic Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano|Cardinal-Bishop of Albano]] (1471–1476)|[[Roman Catholic Suburbicarian Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina|Cardinal-Bishop of Porto e Santa Rufina]] (1476–1492)|[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Cartagena|Administrator of Cartagena]] (1482–1492)|[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Majorca|Administrator of Mallorca]] (1489–1492)|[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Eger|Administrator of Eger]] (1491–1492)|[[Archbishop of Valencia]] (1492)}}
|residence =
|other = Alexander
|coat_of_arms = Escudo del papa Alejandro VI.svg|100px
|parents = {{unbulleted list|[[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]]|Isabel de Borja}}
|children = {{unbulleted list|Girolama (or Jeronima)|Isabella|[[Pier Luigi Borgia|Pier Luigi]] (or Pedro Luis)|Bernardo|[[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]] (or Cesar)|[[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni]] (or Juan)|[[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]]|[[Gioffre Borgia|Goffredo]] (or Gioffre, Giuffre, Jofré in Valentian)|Ottaviano|Laura.<ref name="autogenerated2008"/>}}
}}

'''Pope Alexander VI''', born '''Roderic Llançol i [[Borgia|de Borja]]''' (Castilian Spanish: '''Rodrigo Lanzol'''; 1 January 1431 – 18 August 1503) was the [[Pope|head]] of the [[Catholic Church]] from 11 August 1492 to his death in 1503. He is one of the most controversial of the [[Renaissance]] popes, and his [[Italianization|Italianized]] Valencian surname, ''[[Borgia]]'', became a byword for [[libertinism]] and [[nepotism]], which are traditionally considered as characterizing his papacy. However, his reputation is mostly drawn from his enemies, the Italian prelates and barons whose power he subverted. Two of Alexander's successors, [[Sixtus V]] and [[Urban VIII]], described him as one of the most outstanding popes since [[St. Peter]].<ref>Mallett, M. ''The Borgias'' (1969) Granada edition. 1981. p. 9.</ref> His reputation rests more on his considerable skills as a diplomat, politician, and civil administrator rather than as a pastor, although regarding the latter he was no less effective than any of the other renaissance pontiffs.<ref>Mallett passim.</ref>

==Birth and family==
Roderic Llançol was born on 1 January 1431, in the town of Xativa near Valencia, Spain, one of the component realms of the [[Crown of Aragon]], in what is now Spain. His parents were [[Jofré Llançol i Escrivà]] (died bef. 24 March 1437) and his Aragonese wife and distant cousin [[Isabel de Borja y Cavanilles]] (died 19 October 1468). His family name is written Llançol in [[Catalan language|Catalan]] or [[Valencian language|Valencian]] and Lanzol in Castillian Spanish. Rodrigo adopted his mother's family name of [[Borgia|Borja]] in 1455 following the elevation to the [[papacy]] of maternal uncle Alonso de Borja (Italianized to Alfonso Borgia) as [[Calixtus III]].<ref>Catherine B. Avery, 1972, ''The New Century Italian Renaissance Encyclopedia'', Appleton-Century-Crofts, ISBN 0-13-612051-2 ISBN 9780136120513 p. 189. [http://books.google.com/books?id=3KYUAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Alonso+de+Borja,+Italianized+to+Alfonso+Borgia%22&dq=%22Alonso+de+Borja,+Italianized+to+Alfonso+Borgia%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=eW45T52qG7CCsgK7rby6Bw&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA]</ref><ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/159/000092880/</ref>

==Mistresses and family==
<gallery widths="141" heights="200">
Image:Vanozza.jpg|[[Vannozza dei Cattanei]] Giovanna de Candia, Countess of Gattanei.
Image:Lady with unicorn by Rafael Santi.jpg|"Lady with Unicorn", presumed portrait of [[Giulia Farnese]] by [[Raphael]]
Image:Buch2-318.jpg|[[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]], 2nd Duke of Gandia.
File:Cesareborgia.jpg|[[Cesare Borgia]]
File:Bartolomeo Veneto 001.jpg|Presumed portrait of [[Lucrezia Borgia]] by [[Bartolomeo Veneto]]
File:JoffreBorgia.jpg|[[Gioffre Borgia]] (1482–1522) Prince of Squillace.
File:WP_Ercole_II.jpg|[[Ercole II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara]]
File:San Francisco de Borja.jpg|[[Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía]]
File:José de Avelar Rebelo - Retrato da Rainha D.Luisa de Gusmão.jpg|[[Luisa de Guzmán]], Queen consort of Portugal
</gallery>
<gallery widths="220" heights="220">
File:Alexander VI guilia.jpg|Alexander VI kneeling in front of the [[Madonna (art)|Madonna]], said to be a likeness of Giulia Farnese.
</gallery>

Of Alexander's many mistresses the one for whom passion lasted longest was a certain [[Vannozza dei Cattanei|Vannozza (Giovanna) dei Cattani]], born in 1442, and wife of three successive husbands. The connection began in 1470, and she bore him four children whom he openly acknowledged as his own: [[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni]], afterwards duke of [[Gandia]] (born 1474), [[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]] (born 1476), [[Lucrezia Borgia|Lucrezia]] (born 1480), and [[Goffredo Borgia|Goffredo]] or Giuffre (born 1481 or 1482). Three of his other children, Girolama, Isabella and [[Pier Luigi de Borgia, 1st duke of Gandía|Pedro-Luiz]], were of uncertain parentage. However, his son Bernardo, a product of his liaison with Vittoria (Victoria) Sailór dei Venezia in 1469, is much less known because his father kept him in hiding, most likely due to shame, for he was a cardinal, who aspired to become the pope. He obviously gave up hiding his many children after he fathered four more. Therefore, Bernardo received the least amount of attention of his siblings. When he became older, he grew bitter of his father and fled for his mother.

Before his elevation to the papacy Cardinal Borgia's passion for Vannozza somewhat diminished, and she subsequently led a very retired life. Her place in his affections was filled by the beautiful [[Giulia Farnese]] (Giulia Bella), wife of an [[Orsini]], but his love for his children by Vannozza remained as strong as ever and proved, indeed, the determining factor of his whole career. He lavished vast sums on them and lauded them with every honour. The atmosphere of Alexander's household is typified by the fact that his daughter Lucrezia lived with his mistress Giulia, who bore him a daughter, Laura, in 1492.

He is an ancestor of virtually all royal houses of Europe, mainly the southern and western ones, for being the ancestor of ''Dona'' [[Luisa de Guzmán]], wife of King [[John IV of Portugal]], of the [[House of Braganza]].

==Education==
{{Infobox popestyles
|image = Escudo del papa Alejandro VI.svg
|dipstyle = [[His Holiness]]
|offstyle = Your Holiness
|relstyle = Holy Father
|deathstyle = None
|}}
Rodrigo Borgia studied law at [[University of Bologna|Bologna]] where he graduated, not simply as [[Canon law|Doctor of Law]], but as "the most eminent and judicious jurisprudent."<ref>Monsignor Peter de Roo (1924), ''Material for a History of Pope Alexander VI, His Relatives and His Time'', (5 vols.), Bruges, Desclée, De Brouwer, volume 2, p. 29. [https://www.google.com/search?sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22simply+as+Doctor+of+Law+but+as+%E2%80%9Cthe+most+eminent+and+judicious+jurisprudent.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22simply+as+Doctor+of+Law+but+as+%E2%80%9Cthe+most+eminent+and+judicious+jurisprudent.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=966186l966186l0l967298l1l1l0l0l0l0l161l161l0.1l1l0&biw=1181&bih=617&cad=cbv&sei=_OHyTtnTNMm0sQK-goWyAQ#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22not+simply+as+Doctor+of+Law+but+as+%E2%80%9Cthe+most+eminent+and+judicious+jurisprudent.%22&pbx=1&oq=%22not+simply+as+Doctor+of+Law+but+as+%E2%80%9Cthe+most+eminent+and+judicious+jurisprudent.%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=5268l6629l0l6974l4l4l0l0l0l0l275l899l0.1.3l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=e447b5129e47e464&biw=1181&bih=617] [http://attomelani.net/de_roo/volumeII_lowres.pdf] [http://www.attomelani.net/?page+id=143 volumes 1–5]</ref> After the election of his uncle as [[Pope Calixtus III]], he was ordained [[deacon]] and created [[Lay cardinal|Cardinal-Deacon]] of ''[[San Nicola in Carcere]]'' at the age of twenty-five in 1456. The following year, he was appointed [[Apostolic Chancery|vice-chancellor]] of the Holy Roman Church. Both [[nepotism|nepotistic]] appointments were characteristic of the age. In 1468, he was ordained to the [[Priesthood (Catholic Church)|priesthood]] and, in 1471, he was consecrated bishop and appointed [[Cardinal-Bishop of Albano]].<ref name="CE1913"/> Having served in the [[Roman Curia]] under five popes – Calixtus III, [[Pius II]], [[Pope Paul II|Paul II]], [[Sixtus IV]] and [[Innocent VIII]] – Rodrigo Borgia acquired considerable administrative experience, influence and wealth.<ref name="The March of Folly"/>

==Archbishop of Valencia==
[[File:Plaque_Borja_Valencia.jpg|thumb|right|Plaque outside the Archbishop's Palace, Valencia.]]
When his uncle Alonso de Borja (bishop of Valencia) was elected Pope [[Callixtus III]],
he "inherited" the post of bishop of Valencia. Sixteen days before the death of [[Pope Innocent VIII]], he proposed Valencia as a [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]] and he became the first archbishop of Valencia. When Rodrigo de Borja was elected pope as Alexander VI following the death of Innocent VIII, it was the turn of his son [[Cesare Borgia]] to "inherit" the post as second archbishop of Valencia. The third and the fourth archbishops of Valencia were [[Juan de Borja]]{{disambiguation needed|date=September 2012}} and [[Pedro Luis de Borja]], both grand-nephews of Alexander VI.

Translation of the plaque on the side of the Archbishop's Palace of Valencia:
<blockquote>
<center>
ALEXANDER VI
 
The 9th July 1492, the Pope
Innocent VIII, at the request of
Cardinal Borja and the Catholic
Monarchs, raised the
Valencian See to the rank of
metropolitan, becoming
Rodrigo of Borja the first
Archbishop of Valencia
 
1492 - 1503
</center>
</blockquote>

==Election==
{{main|Papal conclave, 1492}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| header =
| image1 = Coat of Arms of Pope Alexander VI Borgia - Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.JPG
| width1 = 160
| alt1 = Coat of Arms of Alexander VI – Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.
| caption1 = Coat of Arms of Alexander VI – Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.
}}
On the death of [[Pope Innocent VIII]] on 25 July 1492, the three likely candidates for the [[Papacy]] were cardinals Borgia, seen as an independent candidate, [[Ascanio Sforza]] for the Milanese, and [[Pope Julius II|Giuliano della Rovere]] seen as a pro-French candidate. It was rumoured but not substantiated that Borgia succeeded in buying the largest number of votes and Sforza, in particular, was bribed with four mule-loads of silver.<ref>Peter de Rossa, ''Vicars of Christ'', p. 144.</ref> This was portrayed in the Showtime TV series ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011) but is a popular falsehood about Pope Alexander. Mallett shows that Borgia was in the lead from the start and that the rumours of [[simony]] began after the election with the distribution of benefices, and that Sforza and della Rovere were just as willing and able to bribe as anyone else.<ref>Mallett, M. ibid. pp. 123–6.</ref> The benefices and offices granted to Sforza, moreover, would be worth considerably more than four mule-loads of silver. [[Johann Burchard]], the conclave's master of ceremonies and a leading figure of the papal household under several popes, recorded in his diary that the [[Papal conclave, 1492|1492 conclave]] was a particularly expensive campaign. Della Rovere was bankrolled to the cost of 200,000 gold [[ducat]]s by [[Charles VIII of France|King Charles VIII of France]], with another 100,000 supplied by the [[Republic of Genoa]].<ref>Johann Burchard, ''Diaries 1483–1492'' (translation: A.H. Matthew, London, 1910)</ref> Borgia was elected on 11 August 1492, assuming the name of Alexander VI (due to confusion about the status of [[Pope Alexander V]] elected by the [[Council of Pisa]]). [[Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici]] (later [[Pope Leo X]]) is rumored to have sharply criticized the election and issued the much quoted warning:

{{quote|Now we are in the power of a wolf, the most rapacious perhaps that this world has ever seen. And if we do not flee, he will inevitably devour us all.<ref>James Reston, ''Dogs of God'', New York, Anchor Books, 2005, p. 287.</ref>}}

This is a popular misquotation. What Medici is actually said to have stated is;

{{quote|Flee, we are in the clutches of the world.<ref>Mallett ibid. p128</ref>}}

Such a criticism however, particularly by the very youthful Giovanni, is believed to be highly unlikely: "Precocious though he was, the cardinal would scarcely have made this observation when sixteen years of age."<ref>''Studies in Church History'', 1906, Reuben Parsons, New York and Cincinnati, F. Pustet & Co., Volume 3, p. 210, n. 1.
[http://books.google.com/books?id=m0hDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA210&dq=%22cardinal+would+scarcely+have+made+this+observation%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YGnxTqGQNozEsQKSn7iaAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22cardinal%20would%20scarcely%20have%20made%20this%20observation%22&f=false]</ref>

In contrast to the preceding pontificate, Pope Alexander VI adhered initially to strict administration of justice and orderly government. Before long, however, he began endowing his relatives at the church's and at his neighbours' expense. [[Cesare Borgia]], his son, while a youth of seventeen and a student at [[Pisa]], was made [[Archbishop]] of [[Province of Valencia|Valencia]], and [[Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia|Giovanni Borgia]] inherited the Spanish Dukedom of [[Gandia]], the Borgias' ancestral home in Spain. For the Duke of Gandia and for [[Gioffre Borgia|Gioffre]], also known as Goffredo, the Pope proposed to carve fiefs out of the [[Papal States]] and the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. Among the fiefs destined for the duke of Gandia were [[Cerveteri]] and [[Anguillara]], lately acquired by [[Virginio Orsini]], head of that powerful house. This policy brought [[Ferdinand I of Naples|Ferdinand I, King of Naples]], into conflict with Pope Alexander VI, who was also opposed by Cardinal della Rovere, whose candidature for the papacy had been backed by Ferdinand. Della Rovere fortified himself in his [[bishop of Ostia|bishopic of Ostia]] at the [[Tiber]]'s mouth as Pope Alexander VI formed a league against Naples (25 April 1493) and prepared for war.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

Ferdinand allied himself with [[Florence]], [[Milan]] and [[Venice]]. He also appealed to Spain for help, but Spain was eager to be on good terms with the papacy to obtain the title to the recently discovered [[New World]]. Pope Alexander VI, in the bull ''[[Inter Caetera]]'', 4 May 1493, divided the title between Spain and Portugal along a demarcation line. This was known as the Treaty of Tordesillas and was ratified by Spain on 2 July 1494 and Portugal on 5 September 1494. (This and other related bulls are known collectively as the ''[[Bulls of Donation]]''.){{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

==French involvement==
[[File:Italy 1494 v2.png|thumb|upright=1.0|Italy 1494]]
Pope Alexander VI made many alliances to secure his position. He sought help from [[Charles VIII of France]] (1483–1498), who was allied to Ludovico "Il Moro" (the Moor, so called because of his swarthy complexion) Sforza, the ''de facto'' Duke of Milan, who needed French support to legitimise his rule. As King Ferdinand I of Naples was threatening to come to the aid of the rightful duke Gian Galeazzo, the husband of his granddaughter Isabella, Alexander VI encouraged the French king in his plan for the conquest of Naples.

But Pope Alexander VI, always ready to seize opportunities to aggrandize his family, then adopted a double policy. Through the intervention of the Spanish ambassador he made peace with Naples in July 1493 and cemented the peace by a marriage between his son Gioffre and [[Sancha of Aragon|Doña Sancha]], another granddaughter of Ferdinand I. In order to dominate the [[College of Cardinals|Sacred College of Cardinals]] more completely, Alexander, in a move that created much scandal, created 12 new cardinals. Among the new cardinals was his own son Cesare, then only 18 years old. [[Pope Paul III|Alessandro Farnese]] (later Pope Paul III), the brother of one of the Pope's mistresses, [[Giulia Farnese]], was also among the newly created cardinals.

On 25 January 1494 Ferdinand I died and was succeeded by his son [[Alfonso II of Naples|Alfonso II]] (1494–1495). [[Charles VIII of France]] now advanced formal claims on the Kingdom of Naples. Pope Alexander VI authorised him to pass through Rome, ostensibly on a [[crusade]] against the [[Ottoman Empire]], without mentioning Naples. But when the French invasion became a reality Pope Alexander VI became alarmed, recognised Alfonso II as king of Naples, and concluded an alliance with him in exchange for various fiefs for his sons (July 1494). A military response to the French threat was set in motion: a Neapolitan army was to advance through the [[Romagna]] and attack Milan, while the fleet was to seize [[Genoa]]. However, both expeditions were badly conducted and failed, and on 8 September Charles VIII crossed the [[Alps]] and joined Lodovico il Moro at Milan. The Papal States were in turmoil, and the powerful [[Colonna]] faction seized [[Ostia (district)|Ostia]] in the name of France. Charles VIII rapidly advanced southward, and after a short stay in Florence, set out for Rome (November 1494).

Pope Alexander VI appealed to [[Ascanio Sforza]] and even to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] [[Sultan]] [[Bayazid II]] for help. He tried to collect troops and put Rome in a state of defence, but his position was precarious. When the Orsini offered to admit the French to their castles, Alexander had no choice but to come to terms with Charles. On 31 December Charles VIII entered Rome with his troops, the cardinals of the French faction, and Giuliano della Rovere. Pope Alexander VI now feared that Charles might depose him for [[simony]], and that the king would summon a council to nominate a new pope. However, Pope Alexander VI was able to win over the [[Guillaume Briçonnet (Cardinal)|bishop of Saint-Malo]], who had much influence over the king, with a cardinal's hat. Pope Alexander VI agreed to send Cesare as legate to Naples with the French army; to deliver [[Cem Sultan]], held as a hostage, to Charles VIII, and to give Charles [[Civitavecchia]] (16 January 1495). On 28 January Charles VIII departed for Naples with Cem and Cesare, but the latter slipped away to [[Spoleto]]. Neapolitan resistance collapsed, and Alfonso II fled and abdicated in favour of his son [[Ferdinand II of Naples|Ferdinand II]]. However, Ferdinand was abandoned by all and also had to escape, and the Kingdom of Naples was conquered with surprising ease.

==The French in retreat==

A reaction against Charles VIII soon set in, for all the European powers were alarmed at his success. On 31 March 1495 the [[Holy League (1495)|Holy League]] was formed between the Pope, the emperor, [[Venice]], [[Lodovico il Moro]] and [[Ferdinand II of Aragon|Ferdinand of Spain]]. The League was ostensibly formed against the Turks, but in reality it was made to expel the French from Italy. Charles VIII had himself crowned King of [[Naples]] on 12 May but a few days later began his retreat northward. He met the allies at [[Battle of Fornovo|Fornovo]], and after a drawn battle cut his way through them and was back in France by November. Ferdinand II was reinstated at [[Naples]] soon afterwards, with Spanish help. The expedition, if it produced no material results, demonstrated the foolishness of the so-called 'politics of equilibrium', the Medicean doctrine of preventing one of the Italian principates from overwhelming the rest and uniting them under its hegemony. Charles VIII's belligerence in Italy had made it transparent that the 'politics of equilibrium' did nothing but render the country unable to defend itself against a powerful invading force. Italy was shown to be very vulnerable to the predations of the powerful nation-states, France and Spain, that had forged themselves during the previous century. Alexander VI now followed the general tendency of all the princes of the day to crush the great feudatories and establish a centralised despotism. In this manner he was able to take advantage of the defeat of the French in order to break the power of the Orsini. From that time on, Alexander was able to build himself an effective power base in the Papal States.


[[File:Castel Sant'Angelo bild.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|[[Castel Sant'Angelo]] in Rome]]

[[Virginio Orsini]], who had been captured by the Spanish, died a prisoner at Naples, and the Pope confiscated his property. The rest of the Orsini clan still held out however, defeating the papal troops sent against them under [[Guidobaldo da Montefeltro]], Duke of [[Urbino]] and [[Giovanni Borgia (1474)|Giovanni Borgia]], Duke of Gandia, at [[Soriano nel Cimino|Soriano]] (January 1497). Peace was made through Venetian mediation, the Orsini paying 50,000 ducats in exchange for their confiscated lands; the Duke of Urbino, whom they had captured, was left by the Pope to pay his own ransom. The Orsini remained very powerful, and Pope Alexander VI could count on none but his 3,000 Spanish troops. His only success had been the capture of Ostia and the submission of the francophile cardinals Colonna and [[Savelli]].

Then occurred the first of those domestic tragedies for which the house of Borgia remains notorious. On 14 June the Duke of Gandia, lately created Duke of [[Benevento]], disappeared; the next day his corpse was found in the Tiber.

Pope Alexander VI, overwhelmed with grief, shut himself up in [[Castel Sant'Angelo]]. He declared that henceforth the moral reform of the [[Catholic Church|Church]] would be the sole object of his life, a resolution he did not keep. Every effort was made to discover the assassin, and suspicion fell on various highly placed people. Enquiries suddenly ceased without explanation. Cesare was suspected but not until much later and he was never named in the immediate aftermath, nor would there have been any particular reason for him to commit such a crime. The Orsini, against whom Gandia had been involved in the recent campaign, were the principal suspects at the time. Gandia had many other enemies. Ascanio Sforza, for example, had had a terrible row with him just a few days before the murder. No conclusive explanation was ever reached,<ref>Mallett ibid. pp162-6</ref> and it may be that the crime was simply as a result of one of Gandia's sexual liaisons.

==Crime and Savonarola==
There is no evidence that the Borgias resorted to poisoning, judicial murder and extortion to fund their schemes and the defence of the Papal States. When cardinals died their wealth automatically reverted to the Church. The only contemporary accusations of poisoning were from some of the servants of the Borgias extracted under torture by Alexander's bitter enemy and successor [[Julius II]].<ref>Mallett ibid. p. 236</ref>

[[File:Girolamo Savonarola.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Girolamo Savonarola]]]]

The debased state of the curia was a major scandal. Opponents such as the powerful demagogic Florentine friar [[Girolamo Savonarola]] launched invectives against papal corruption and appealed for a general council to confront the papal abuses. Alexander is reported to have been reduced to laughter when Savonarola's denunciations were related to him. However the hostility of Savonarola seems to have been political rather than personal, and the friar sent a touching letter of condolence to the Pope on the death of the Duke of Gandia; "Faith, most Holy Father, is the one and true source of peace and consolation... Faith alone brings consolation from a far-off country."<ref>de la Bedoyere, M. ''The Meddlesome Friar.'' 1957 p. 24</ref> But eventually the Florentines tired of the friar's moralising and the Florentine government condemned the reformer to death (23 May 1498).<ref>de la Bedoyere, ibid. passim.</ref> The houses of Colonna and Orsini, after much fighting between themselves, allied against the Pope, who found himself unable to maintain order in his own dominions.

In these circumstances, Pope Alexander VI, feeling more than ever that he could only rely on his own kin, turned his thoughts to further family aggrandizement. He had annulled Lucrezia's marriage to [[Giovanni Sforza]], who had responded to the suggestion that he was impotent with the counter-claim that Pope Alexander VI and Cesare indulged in incestuous relations with Lucrezia, in 1497, and, unable to arrange a union between Cesare and the daughter of [[Frederick IV of Naples|King Frederick IV of Naples]] (who had succeeded Ferdinand II the previous year), he induced Frederick by threats to agree to a marriage between the Duke of [[Bisceglie]], a natural son of Alfonso II, and Lucrezia. Cesare, after resigning his cardinalate, was sent on a mission to France at the end of the year, bearing a bull of divorce for the new French king [[Louis XII of France|Louis XII]], in exchange for which he obtained the duchy of [[Valentinois]] (a duchy chosen because it was consistent with his already known nickname of Valentino), a promise of material assistance in his schemes to subjugate the feudal princelings of papal Romagna, and a marriage to a princess of [[Navarre]].

Pope Alexander VI hoped that Louis XII's help would be more profitable to his house than that of Charles VIII had been. In spite of the remonstrances of Spain and of the Sforza, he allied himself with France in January 1499 and was joined by [[Venice]]. By autumn Louis XII was in Italy expelling Lodovico Sforza from [[Milan]]. With French success seemingly assured, the Pope determined to deal drastically with the [[Romagna]], which although nominally under papal rule was divided into a number of practically independent lordships on which Venice, Milan, and Florence cast hungry eyes. Cesare, empowered by the support of the French, began to attack the turbulent cities one by one in his capacity as nominated ''[[Gonfalone of the Church|gonfaloniere]]'' (standard bearer) of the church. But the expulsion of the French from Milan and the return of Lodovico Sforza interrupted his conquests, and he returned to Rome early in 1500.

==Slavery==
While the enterprising explorers of Spain and Portugal were quick to enslave the indigenous peoples they met in Africa and the New World,<ref>"[http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/colonial/encomienda-slavery.pdf Encomienda or Slavery? The Spanish Crown's Choice of Labor Organization in Sixteenth-Century Spanish America.]" (PDF). Latin American Studies.</ref> some popes spoke out against the practice. In 1435, [[Pope Eugene IV]] had issued an attack on slavery in his papal bull ''[[Sicut Dudum]]'', which included the excommunication of all those who engaged in the slave trade. However, a form of indentured servitude was allowed, being similar to a peasant's duty to his liege lord in Europe.

In the wake of [[Christopher Columbus|Columbus]]' landing in the New World, Pope Alexander was asked by the Spanish monarchy to confirm their ownership of these newly found lands.<ref>Stogre, p. 69–70</ref> The bulls issued by Pope Alexander VI: ''Eximiae devotionis'' (3 May 1493), ''[[Inter caetera|Inter Caetera]]'' (4 May 1493) and ''Dudum Siquidem'' (23 September 1493), granted similar rights to Spain with respect to the newly discovered lands in the Americas as [[Pope Nicholas V]] had previously conferred with the bulls ''[[Romanus Pontifex]]'' and ''[[Dum Diversas]]''.<ref>Raiswell, p. 469, "Black Africans in Renaissance Europe", P. 281, Luis N. Rivera, 1992, p. 25–28</ref> Morales Padron (1979) concludes that these bulls gave power to enslave the natives.<ref>cited by Luis N. Rivera, 1992, p. 28</ref> Minnich (2005) asserts that this "slave trade" was permitted to facilitate conversions to Christianity.<ref>"Black Africans in Renaissance Europe", p. 281</ref> Other historians and Vatican scholars strongly disagree with these accusations and assert that Pope Alexander VI never gave his approval to the practice of slavery.<ref>Patrick Madrid, "Pope Fiction"</ref> Other later popes, such as Pope Benedict XIV in ''Immensa Pastorium'' (1741), and Pope Gregory XVI in his letter ''In Supremo Apostolatus'' (1839), continued to condemn slavery.

Thornberry (2002) asserts that ''Inter Caetera'' was applied in the ''[[Requerimiento]]'' which was read to American Indians (who could not understand the colonisers' language) before hostilities against them began. They were given the option to accept the authority of the Pope and Spanish crown or face being attacked and subjugated.<ref>Thornberry 2002, p. 65; Luis N. Rivera, 1992, p. 37</ref> In 1993, the Indigenous Law Institute called on Pope John Paul II to revoke ''Inter Caetera'' and to make reparation for "this unreasonable historical grief". This was followed by a similar appeal in 1994 by the [[Parliament of World Religions]].<ref>Thornberry 2002, p. 65</ref>

==Last years==
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2013}}
A danger now arose in the shape of a conspiracy by the deposed despots, the Orsini, and of some of Cesare's own ''[[condottieri]]''. At first the papal troops were defeated and things looked bleak for the house of Borgia. But a promise of French help quickly forced the confederates to come to terms. Cesare, by an act of treachery, then seized the ringleaders at [[Senigallia]] and put [[Oliverotto da Fermo]] and [[Vitellozzo Vitelli]] to death (31 December 1502). When Alexander VI heard the news, he lured Cardinal Orsini to the Vatican and cast him into a dungeon, where he died. His goods were confiscated and many other members of the clan in Rome were arrested, while Alexander's son Goffredo Borgia led an expedition into the Campagna and seized their castles. Thus the two great houses of Orsini and Colonna, who had long fought for predominance in Rome and often flouted the Pope's authority, were subjugated and the Borgias' power increased. Cesare then returned to Rome, where his father asked him to assist Goffredo in reducing the last Orsini strongholds; this for some reason he was unwilling to do, much to his father's annoyance; but he eventually marched out, captured [[Ceri]] and made peace with Giulio Orsini, who surrendered [[Bracciano]].

The war between France and Spain for the possession of Naples dragged on, and the Pope was forever intriguing, ready to ally himself with whichever power promised the most advantageous terms at any moment. He offered to help Louis XII on condition that [[Sicily]] be given to Cesare, and then offered to help Spain in exchange for [[Siena]], [[Pisa]] and [[Bologna]].

==Death==
[[File:Regola - s M Monserrato tomba Borgia 1050567.JPG|thumb|[[List of extant papal tombs#15th century|The tomb of Pope Alexander VI]]]]
[[File:Kmska Titiaan - Jacopo Pesaro bisschop van Paphos voorgesteld door paus Alexander VI Borgia aan de heilige Petrus - 28-02-2010 13-56-55.jpg|thumb|''[[Jacopo Pesaro being presented by Pope Alexander VI to Saint Peter]]'', painting by [[Titian]] ]]
[[Cesare Borgia|Cesare]] was preparing for another expedition in August 1503 when, after he and his father had dined with Cardinal Adriano da Corneto on 6 August, they were taken ill with fever a few days later. Cesare, whose skin allegedly peeled off<ref>"Cesare lay in bed, his skin peeling and his face suffused to a violet colour."
''The Borgias'', 1981, Georgina Masson, Marion Johnson, Penguin, ISBN 0-14-139075-1 ISBN 9780141390758, p. 179. [https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Cesare+lay+in+bed%2C+his+skin+peeling+and+his+face+suffused+to+a+violet+colour.%22&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images#q=%22Cesare%20lay%20in%20bed%2C%20his%20skin%20peeling%20and%20his%20face%20suffused%20to%20a%20violet%20colour.%22&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=bks&source=og&sa=N&tab=wp&psj=1&ei=FZk5T5D_OZPo2gX6hdDzAQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=cd9d988cdec68762&biw=1135&bih=731]
</ref> as a consequence of certain drastic measures to save him, eventually recovered; but the aged Pontiff apparently had little chance. [[Johann Burchard|Burchard's]] ''Diary'' provides a few details of the pope's final illness and death:<ref>Johann Burchard, 1921, ''Pope Alexander VI and His Court: Extracts from the Latin Diary of Johannes Burchardus'', F. L. Glaser, tr., N.L. Brown, New York, p. 179. [http://books.google.com/books?id=yU8bAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA179&dq=%2212th+of+August,+1503,+the+Pope+fell+ill+in+the+morning%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=y7A5T7-wJ4ac2AWjjbGuCg&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%2212th%20of%20August%2C%201503%2C%20the%20Pope%20fell%20ill%20in%20the%20morning%22&f=false]</ref>

<blockquote>Saturday, the 12th of August, 1503, the Pope fell ill in the morning. After the hour of vespers, between six and seven o'clock a fever appeared and remained permanently. On the 15th of August thirteen ounces of blood were drawn from him and the tertian ague supervened. On Thursday, the 17th of August, at nine o'clock in the forenoon he took medicine. On Friday, the 18th, between nine and ten o'clock he confessed to the Bishop Gamboa of Carignola, who then read Mass to him. After his Communion he gave the Eucharist to the Pope who was sitting in bed. Then he ended the Mass at which were present five cardinals, Serra, Juan and Francesco Borgia, Casanova and Loris. The Pope told them that he felt very bad. At the hour of vespers after Gamboa had given him Extreme Unction, he died.</blockquote>

The pope was 72 years old.

As for his true faults, known only to his confessor, Pope Alexander VI apparently died genuinely repentant.<ref>"[T]here is every reason to believe," writes the ''[[Dublin Review (Catholic periodical)|Dublin Review]],'' that Pope Alexander VI died "in sentiments of piety and devotion." [[Nicholas Wiseman|Nicholas Patrick Wiseman]], ed., 1858, ''The Dublin Review'', London, Thomas Richardson & Son, vol. 45, p. 351. [http://books.google.com/books?id=IdAsAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA351&dq=%22as+there+is+every+reason+to+believe+in+sentiments+of+piety+and+devotion.%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vtRnUd3XIZSa8wT1sICABw&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22as%20there%20is%20every%20reason%20to%20believe%20in%20sentiments%20of%20piety%20and%20devotion.%22&f=false]</ref> The bishop of [[Gallipoli, Apulia|Gallipoli]], Alexis Celadoni, spoke of the pontiff's contrition during his funeral oration<ref>" The historical value of Bishop Celadoni's funeral oration is said to be immense: "On 16 Sept 1503 Burchardus records in his diary that Alexius Celadenus or Celadonius, bishop of Gallipoli, delivered a discourse to the cardinals about to enter into conclave for the election of a successor to Pope Alexander VI. ''Et fuit tediosa et longa oratio''. Burchardus's most recent editor, Thuasne, states that this oration exists in manuscript in the Bibliotheque Nationale... He omits to observe that, granting that the discourse may have been too long for the cardinals, the longer the better for us, inasmuch as it ''contains an account of Pope Alexander of almost unique value,'' not merely as the judgment of a contemporary, but as delivered in public before an audience of contemporaries whose station in the church had brought them into almost daily intercourse with the deceased pope, and before whom ''any serious misrepresentation would have been impossible''. It is incomprehensible how he should have failed to reprint ''an historical testimony of such importance,'' having it under his own eyes." "A Contemporary Oration on Pope Alexander VI," [https://www.google.com/search?q=When+at+last+the+pope+was+suffering+from+a+very+severe+sickness%2C&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS523US525&aq=f&oq=When+at+last+the+pope+was+suffering+from+a+very+severe+sickness%2C&aqs=chrome.0.57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS523US525&q=%22it+contains+an+account+of+Pope+Alexander+of+almost+unique+value%22&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=bks&source=og&sa=N&tab=wp&ei=tihgUam4I4bi8gT2poCADA&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=4b1f5d6338c0ef0c&biw=1294&bih=770 ''The English Historical Review''], 1892, vol. 7, p. 318. See also, [http://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&hl=en&q=Archivum+Historiae+Pontificiae%3A+Vol.+14+Ideal+renaissance+pope&btnG=#hl=en&tbm=bks&sclient=psy-ab&q=Archivum+Historiae+Pontificiae:+Vol.+14+Ideal+renaissance+pope+celadoni&oq=Archivum+Historiae+Pontificiae:+Vol.+14+Ideal+renaissance+pope+celadoni&gs_l=serp.12...2582.5131.0.6546.9.9.0.0.0.0.89.591.9.9.0.ernk_rqr..0.0...1.1.8.psy-ab.CBuHFRxm2qg&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.44770516,d.eWU&fp=4b1f5d6338c0ef0c&biw=1294&bih=770 ''The Oration of Alexis Celadoni''], in ''The Ideal Renaissance Pope: Funeral Oratory from the Papal Court'', John M. MacManamon, S.J., ''Archivum Historiae Pontificiae,'' 1976, Vol. 14. pp. 54ff.</ref> to the electors of Alexander's successor, pope [[Pius III]]:<ref>Peter de Roo, 1924, ''Material for a History of Pope Alexander VI'', vol. 5, p. 89, note. 112. [https://www.google.com/search?q=%22animo+ad+lachrymas+ut+audio+fusus%2C+sacrosanctum+communionis+corpus%22&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&lr=&tbm=bks&source=hp&q=%22When+at+last+the+pope+was+suffering+from+a+very+severe+sickness%22&psj=1&oq=%22When+at+last+the+pope+was+suffering+from+a+very+severe+sickness%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=12&gs_upl=285873l285873l1l286326l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0ll1l0&fp=1&biw=1126&bih=694&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&cad=b] [http://www.attomelani.net/?page+id=143] (Word frequency and page number of specific words and phrases for all 5 vols. at [[HathiTrust]]) [http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001925194] Latin text: "Dum graviter aegrotaret, factorum conscientia punctus contrito dolentique animo ad lachrymas ut audio fusus, sacrosanctum communionis corpus sua sponte, dilutis prius diligentissima confessione peccatis, petierit, et alia sacramenta..."

Alexis Celadoni (Alexius Celadonius, Celadeni, 1451–1517), Bishop of Gallipoli, Italy (1494–1508), ''Alexii Celadeni Episcopi Gallipolitani Oratio ad sacrum cardinalium senatum ingressurum ad novum pontificem eligendum'', Publisher: Rome: Johann Besicken, 1503. [http://books.google.com/books?id=NUk-AAAAcAAJ&pg=PP7&dq=Alexii+Celadeni+Episcopi+Gallipolitani+oratio+%22sponte%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Qsw5T76jBu3o2gX35sCtCg&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=sponte&f=false]</ref>

<blockquote>When at last the pope was suffering from a very severe sickness, he spontaneously requested, one after another, each of the last sacraments. He first made a very careful confession of his sins, with a contrite heart, and was affected even to the shedding of tears, I am told; then he received in Communion the most Sacred Body and Extreme Unction was administered to him.</blockquote>

The [[interregnum]] witnessed again the ancient "tradition" of violence and rioting.<ref>"Throughout the Middle Ages a 'tradition' or 'custom' involving pillaging was attached to the death and election of high-ranking prelates." Joëlle Rollo-Koster, 2008, ''Raiding Saint Peter: Empty Sees, Violence, and the Initiation of the Great Western Schism (1378)'', Leiden; Boston: Brill, ISBN 90-04-16560-6 ISBN 9789004165601, ''Introduction'', p. 1. [http://books.google.com/books?id=fOrzTh-Fca0C&pg=PA1&dq=%22In+the+words+of+various+narrators+throughout+the+Middle+Ages%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ArJpT5W3KInVsgKx9OCSCQ&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22In%20the%20words%20of%20various%20narrators%20throughout%20the%20Middle%20Ages%22&f=false] And as early as 633, "the [[Fourth Council of Toledo]] condemned the violence of the [[interregnum]]." ''The King's Body: Sacred Rituals of Power in Medieval and Early Modern Europe'', Sergio Bertelli, 2001, Pennsylvania State Univ Pr, ISBN 0-271-02102-0 ISBN 978-0-271-02102-7, p. 41. [http://books.google.com/books?id=dSmdjGuP6SEC&pg=PA41&dq=%22in+633+the+Fourth+Council+of+Toledo+condemned+the+violence+of+the+interregnum%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GsJpT7enH-SpsAK5sr2oCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22in%20633%20the%20Fourth%20Council%20of%20Toledo%20condemned%20the%20violence%20of%20the%20interregnum%22&f=false] Nor were the Romans alone guilty of such misbehavior. In the eleventh century, [[Peter Damian]], writing to the clergy and people of [[Osimo]], sharply reproved the "perverse and wholly detestable practice of certain people, who at the death of the bishop break in like enemies and rob his house, like thieves make off with his belongings, set fire to the homes on his estate, and with fierce and savage barbarity cut down his grape vines and orchards." Letter 35, Easter Synod, 1050. ''Letters 31–60'', Owen J. Blum (Translator), 1990, Catholic University of America Press, ISBN 0-8132-0707-X ISBN 9780813207070, p. 61. [http://books.google.com/books?id=3PkYNcU0k94C&pg=PA61&dq=perverse+and+detestable+practice+of+certain+people+who+at+the+death&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7rVpT9ioCqOLsQLdwsDHBQ&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=perverse%20and%20detestable%20practice%20of%20certain%20people%20who%20at%20the%20death&f=false]
</ref> Cesare, too ill to attend to the business himself, sent [[Michelotto Corella|Don Michelotto]], his chief ''bravo'', to seize the Pope's treasures before the death was publicly announced. The next day the body was exhibited to the people and clergy of Rome, but was covered by an "old tapestry" ("antiquo tapete"), having become greatly disfigured by rapid decomposition. According to [[Raffaello Maffei|Raphael Volterrano]]: "It was a revolting scene to look at that deformed, blackened corpse, prodigiously swelled, and exhaling an infectious smell; his lips and nose were covered with brown drivel, his mouth was opened very widely, and his tongue, inflated by poison, fell out upon his chin; therefore no fanatic or devotee dared to kiss his feet or hands, as custom would have required."<ref name="NC">{{cite web|title=Sex Lives of the Popes|publisher=Prion|year=1996|author=Nigel Cawthorne|pages=218}}</ref> The Venetian ambassador stated that the body was "the ugliest, most monstrous and horrible dead body that was ever seen, without any form or likeness of humanity."<ref name="NC"/>

It has been suggested that, having taken into account the unusual level of decomposition, Alexander VI was accidentally poisoned to death by his son, Cesare, with [[cantarella]] (which had been prepared to eliminate Cardinal Adriano), although some commentaries doubt these stories and attribute the Pope's death to [[malaria]], then prevalent in Rome, or to another such pestilence. The ambassador of Ferrara wrote to Duke Ercole that it was no wonder the Pope and the duke were sick because nearly everyone in Rome was ill because of [[Miasma theory of disease|bad air]] ("per la mala condictione de aere").{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

After a short stay, the body was removed from the crypts of St. Peter's and installed in a less well-known church, the Spanish national church of [[Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6943005 |title=Pope Alexander VI (1431–1503) – Find A Grave Memorial |publisher=Findagrave.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[Image:Alexander VI - Pinturicchio detail.jpg|thumb|Detail of fresco ''Resurrection'' in the Borgia Apartment showing Alexander VI in prayer]]
Following the death of Alexander VI, Julius II said on the day of his election: "I will not live in the same rooms as the Borgias lived. He desecrated the Holy Church as none before. He usurped the papal power by the devil's aid, and I forbid under the pain of excommunication anyone to speak or think of Borgia again. His name and memory must be forgotten. It must be crossed out of every document and memorial. His reign must be obliterated. All paintings made of the Borgias or for them must be covered over with black crepe. All the tombs of the Borgias must be opened and their bodies sent back to where they belong – to Spain."<ref name="NC2">{{cite web|title=Sex Lives of the Popes|publisher=Prion|year=1996|author=Nigel Cawthorne|pages=219}}</ref> The Borgias' apartments remained sealed until the 19th century.<ref name="NC2"/>

Alexander VI was known for his patronage of the arts, and in his days a new architectural era was initiated in Rome with the coming of [[Donato Bramante|Bramante]]. [[Raffaello Santi|Raphael]], [[Michelangelo]] and [[Pinturicchio]] all worked for him.<ref>The [[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition|''Encyclopædia Britannica'', Eleventh Edition]] (1911)</ref> He commissioned Pinturicchio to lavishly paint a suite of rooms in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, which are today known as the [[Borgia Apartments]].

In addition to the arts, Alexander VI also encouraged the development of education. In 1495, he issued a [[papal bull]] at the request of [[William Elphinstone]], Bishop of Aberdeen, and [[King James IV of Scotland]], founding [[Kings College, Aberdeen|King's College, Aberdeen]]. King's College now forms an integral element of the [[University of Aberdeen]].

Alexander VI, allegedly a [[marrano]] according to papal rival [[Giuliano della Rovere]],<ref>[[Black Legend#Origin]]</ref> distinguished himself by his relatively benign treatment of Jews. After the 1492 [[expulsion of the Jews from Spain]], some 9,000 impoverished [[Iberian Jews]] arrived at the borders of the [[Papal States]]. Alexander welcomed them into Rome, declaring that they were "permitted to lead their life, free from interference from Christians, to continue in their own rites, to gain wealth, and to enjoy many other privileges." He similarly allowed the immigration of [[Expulsion of the Jews from Portugal|Jews expelled from Portugal]] in 1497 and from Provence in 1498.<ref>{{cite book |first=James |last=Carroll | authorlink =James Carroll (author) |title=[[Constantine's Sword]] |location=Boston |publisher=[[Houghton Mifflin]] |year=2002 |pages=363–364 |isbn=0395779278 }}</ref>

It has been noted that the alleged misdeeds of Alexander VI are similar in nature to those of other Renaissance princes, with the one exception being his position in the Church. As [[Joseph de Maistre|De Maistre]] said in his work ''Du Pape'', "The latter are forgiven nothing, because everything is expected from them, wherefore the vices lightly passed over in a [[Louis XIV]] become most offensive and scandalous in an Alexander VI."<ref>[[Knights of Columbus]] Catholic Truth Committee, [http://books.google.ca/books?id=THEqAAAAMAAJ ''The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic Church, Volume 1''], [[Encyclopedia Press]], 1907, p. 294</ref>

[[Bohuslav Hasištejnský z Lobkovic]], a [[Bohemia]]n [[humanism|humanist]] poet (1461–1510) dedicated one of his Latin poems to Alexander:<ref>Bohuslav Hasištejnský z Lobkovic: ''Carmina selecta'', Praha 1996, p.14</ref>

{|
|-
|
'''Epitaphium Alexandri Papae'''
|
'''Epitaph to Pope Alexander'''
|-
|
:Cui tranquilla quies odio, cui proelia cordi
:et rixa et caedes seditioque fuit,
:mortuus hac recubat populis gaudentibus urna
:pastor Alexander, maxima Roma, tuus.
:Vos, Erebi proceres, vos caeli claudite portas
:atque Animam vestris hanc prohibete locis.
:In Styga nam veniens pacem turbabit Averni,
:committet superos, si petat astra poli.
|
:Who sacrificed quiet to hatred, with a warrior heart,
:who did not stop at quarrels, struggles and slaughters,
:is lying here in the coffin for all people to rejoice,
:thy supreme pontiff Alexander, oh, capital Rome.
:Ye prelates of [[Erebus]] and Heaven, close your doors
:and prohibit the Soul from entering your sites.
:He would disrupt the peace of [[Styx]] and disturb [[Avernus]],
:and vanquish the Saints, if he enters the sphere of stars.
|}

However, despite [[Julius II]]'s hostility, the Roman barons and Romagna vicars were never again to be the same problem for the papacy and Julius' successes owe much to the foundations laid by the Borgias.<ref>Mallett ibid. p265</ref> Unlike Julius, Alexander never made war unless absolutely necessary, preferring negotiation and diplomacy.<ref>Mallet ibid passim.</ref>

==In popular culture==

===Books===
* The contemporary politician, political theorist and author [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] wrote his book of power politics ''[[The Prince]]'' in 1513, in which he refers to Alexander VI as a corrupt politician completely without honor.<ref name="The Prince"/> "Alexander VI did nothing but deceive men..."<ref>The Prince, Chapter XVIII</ref>
* E. R. Chamberlin's 1969 book ''[[The Bad Popes]]'' documented the lives of eight of the most controversial popes, including Alexander.
* Alexander is one of six Popes of the [[Renaissance]] era profiled unfavorably by historian [[Barbara Tuchman]] in ''The March of Folly''.
* [[Frederick Rolfe]] ("Baron Corvo") wrote ''Chronicles of the House of Borgia''. This was a [[Historical revisionism|revisionist]] account, in which he argued that the Borgia family was unjustly maligned and that the accounts of poisoning were a myth.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* Alexander VI and his family are the subjects of [[Mario Puzo]]'s final novel ''[[The Family (Mario Puzo novel)|The Family]]'', as well as [[Robert Rankin]]'s humorous and fictionalized novel ''[[The Antipope]]''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* ''[[The Borgia Bride]]'' (2005) is a historical fiction by [[Jeanne Kalogridis]], told from the perspective of Sancha of [[Aragon]], married to the Pope's youngest son [[Gioffre Borgia]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* In March 2005, ''[[Heavy Metal (magazine)|Heavy Metal]]'' published the first of a three-part graphic novel biography of Alexander VI entitled ''Borgia'', written by [[Alexandro Jodorowsky]] with art by [[Milo Manara]]. The story focuses mostly on the sexual indiscretions and acts of violent backstabbery carried out by the corrupt papal figure. The second part was released in July 2006 and the third in July 2009.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* [[Gregory Maguire]] makes strong references to Alexander VI and specifically his daughter in the 2003 novel, ''[[Mirror, Mirror (novel)|Mirror, Mirror]]''.<ref>''Mirror, Mirror'', Gregory Maguire (2003)</ref>
* Spanish author [[Javier Sierra]] writes of Pope Alexander VI in his novel, ''The Secret Supper''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* French author [[Alexandre Dumas]]' ''[[The Count of Monte Cristo]]'' mentions murder of Cardinal Spada by Alexander VI and his son. This is told by Abbé Faria to Edmond Dantes in the prison in relation to a treasure belonging to Cardinal Spada.<ref>Alexandre Dumas, ''The Count of Monte Cristo'', New York, Penguin Putnam Inc., 1996, pp. 155–160.</ref>
* Italian authors [[Rita Monaldi]] and [[Francesco Sorti]] depict a totally different image of Pope Alexander VI in ''The Doubts of Salaì'' (2007). They reference sources which quote Alexander as an integral, hard-working functionary in the Roman Catholic Church. His infamous reputation would be largely attributed to falsified documents and the slander of his opponents.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* German author [[Friedrich Schiller]] refers to Borgia in "[[Der Verbrecher aus verlorner Ehre]]" referring to his less than favourable reputation, 'Stünde einmal, wie für die übrigen Reiche der Natur, auch für das Menschengeschlecht ein Linnäus auf, welcher nach Trieben und Neigungen klassifizierte, wie sehr würde man erstaunen, wenn man so manchen, dessen Laster in einer engen bürgerlichen Sphäre un in der schmalen Umzäugnung der Gesetze jetzt ersticken muss, mit dem Ungeheur Borgia in einer Ordnung beisammen fände.'{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
* Pope Alexander's diplomatic correspondence and intrigues with the Ottoman Turks, as well as [[Charles VIII of France|Charles VIII]]'s invasion of Italy, are depicted in the historical novel ''The Sultan's Helmsman''.
* The introduction to ''The Bad Catholic's Guide to Good Living'', by John Zmirak and Denise Matychowiak, is attributed to Pope Alexander, writing in 2005 from "The Seventh Terrace of [[Purgatory]]". In a postscript to the introduction, "Alexander" requests additional prayers for the sake of himself and several other popes stuck in Purgatory.

===Plays===
* [[Barnabe Barnes]]' 1606 play ''[[The Devil's Charter]]'', performed at the Globe by the King's Men, dramatizes the life of Pope Alexander VI and his daughter Lucretia Borgia. In Barnes' play Alexander sells his soul to the devil in exchange for the papacy. Lucretia binds, gags, and stabs her husband onstage and later dies poisoned by her own cosmetics.
* ''Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia'', a play by Robert Lalonde<ref>[http://www.archive.org/details/EveryonesDeathcesare ''Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia''] www.archive.org</ref>

===Film===
* In the 1922 German silent film, ''Lucrezia Borgia'', Alexander VI is played by Albert Basserman.
* Alexander is played by [[Lluís Homar]] in the 2006 Spanish film, ''[[Los Borgia]]''.
* A Young Roderic de Borgia during the 1458 Conclave is played by [[Manu Fullola]] in the 2006 Canadian movie "The Conclave."
* In the 1935 French movie, ''Lucrezia Borgia'', Alexander is portrayed by Roger Karl.
* The last of [[Walerian Borowczyk]]'s ''[[Immoral Tales (film)|Contes Immoraux]]'' (Immoral Tales) shows Jacopo Berenizi as Alexander VI, enjoying incest with Lucrezia and Cesare while [[Savonarola]] is arrested and burned.
* In the series of short films ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', Rodrigo Borgia starts a conspiracy to destroy the Medici dynasty. In the first short film, he hires some assassins to kill the Duke of Milano, Galeazo Maria Sforza. He is played by [[Manuel Tadros]].

===Television===
* The papacy of Alexander VI was dramatized in the 1981 [[BBC]] series ''[[The Borgias (1981 TV series)|The Borgias]]'', starring the veteran Italian actor [[Adolfo Celi]] as Pope Alexander.
* The Canadian [[sketch comedy]] ''[[History Bites]]'' parodied Pope Alexander VI by portraying him and his family as The Osborgias (done as a parody of [[The Osbournes]]).
* In the popular TV show, ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'', the character [[Milo Rambaldi]] was said to be Alexander VI's "chief architect."
* French premium-pay TV [[Canal+]], [[Atlantique Productions]] and [[EOS Entertainment]] broadcast the series ''[[Borgia (2011 TV Series)|Borgia]]'' in 2011, recounting the infamous family's rise to power and subsequent domination of the Vatican. [[John Doman]] stars as Rodrigo Borgia. A second season began filming in November 2012.
* [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]'s ''[[The Borgias (2011 TV series)|The Borgias]]'' (2011 - 2013) stars [[Jeremy Irons]] as Pope Alexander VI.
* In the 2012 season of the BBC children's series ''[[Horrible Histories (2009 TV series)|Horrible Histories]]'', Alexander VI was dramatized by actor [[Jim Howick]]. The show parodied Pope Alexander as a mafia crime boss, and later as the father of an ''[[The Addams Family (TV series)|Addams Family]]''-style dynasty of the Borgias. (The Addams Family theme song was also parodied, being renamed ''The Borgia Family''.)

===Video games===
* In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' (2009), Rodrigo Borgia is the main antagonist of the game, secretly associated with the [[Knights Templar]]. The protagonist ([[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]) tried to kill Alexander VI before ascending the papacy. His character in the game is voiced by and modeled on Canadian actor [[Manuel Tadros]]. He also appears in the accompanying short film ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''.
* In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' (2010), Rodrigo Borgia has a smaller role than his son, Cesare Borgia, the game's main antagonist. He is killed by Cesare, who after becoming aware of his father's plot to assassinate him (due to Cesare's campaigning in Romagna resulting in declining Borgia in Rome) forces his own poisoned apple in his mouth.

==See also==
{{portal|Biography|Catholicism|Pope}}
* [[Banquet of Chestnuts]]
* [[Cardinals created by Alexander VI]]
* [[List of popes from the Borgia family]]
* [[Route of the Borgias]]
* [[Birthplace of Alexander VI]]
* [[List of sexually active popes]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="The March of Folly">{{cite book|title=The March of Folly|author=Barbara Tuchman|year=1984|publisher=Alfred A. Knopf|isbn=978-0-394-52777-2}}</ref>

<ref name="The Prince">{{cite web|publisher=Wikisource|title=The Prince|author=Niccolò Machiavelli|pages=chapter XVIII|url=http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Prince/Chapter_XVIII}}</ref>

<ref name="autogenerated2008">{{cite book|title=The Borgias and Their Enemies|author=Christopher Hibbert|year=2008|publisher=Harcourt, Inc.|isbn=978-0-15-101033-2}}</ref>
}}

==References==
* {{ws|"[[s:Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)/Pope Alexander VI|Pope Alexander VI]]" in the 1913 ''Catholic Encyclopedia''}}
* {{1911}}
* John Burchard, ''Diaries 1483–1492'' (translation: A.H. Matthew, London, 1910)
* [[Eamon Duffy]], ''Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes'' (Yale Nota Bene, 2002)
* Peter de Rossa, ''Vicars of Christ: The Dark Side of the Papacy'' (Corgi, 1989)
* Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition.
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja or Borgia (in Spanish)]
* [http://sites.google.com/site/diarioborjaborgia/Home DIARIO BORJA BORGIA (Spanish)]
* "''That the world may believe: the development of Papal social thought on aboriginal rights''", Michael Stogre S.J, Médiaspaul, 1992, ISBN 978-2-89039-549-7
* "''The Historical Encyclopedia of World slavery"'', Editor Junius P. Rodriguez, ABC-CLIO, 1997, ISBN 978-0-87436-885-7
* ''"Black Africans in Renaissance Europe''", Thomas Foster Earle, K. J. P. Lowe, Cambridge University Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0-521-81582-6
* "''A violent evangelism"'', Luis N. Rivera, Luis Rivera Pagán, Westminster John Knox Press, 1992, ISBN 978-0-664-25367-7
* "''Indigenous peoples and human rights''", Patrick Thornberry, Manchester University Press, 2002, ISBN 978-0-7190-3794-8

==External links==
{{wikisource author|Alexander VI}}
{{wikiquote|Pope Alexander VI}}
{{commons category|Alexander VI}}
* [http://sites.google.com/site/diarioborjaborgia/Home Diario Borja - Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.stephenrbown.net/1494-1.htm/ 1494: How a Family Feud in Medieval Spain Divided the world in Half]
* [[:es:Borja|Borja - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre]] {{es icon}}
* [[:es:Borgia|Borgia - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre]] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.euskalnet.net/laviana/gen_hispanas/borja_borgia.htm Borja o Borgia] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.oliver-rost.homepage.t-online.de/HistoriaGenealogica.txt Francisco Fernández de Bethencourt - Historia Genealógica y Heráldica Española, Casa Real y Grandes de España, tomo cuarto] {{es icon}}
* [http://www.ramhg.es/index.php/boletin/boletin Una rama subsistente del linaje Borja en América española, por Jaime de Salazar y Acha, Académico de Número de la Real Academia Matritense de Heráldica y Genealogía] {{es icon}}
* http://libros.webuda.com/boletin-RAMHG-75.pdf BOLETÍN DE LA REAL ACADEMIA MATRITENSE DE HERÁLDICA Y GENEALOGÍA {{es icon}}
* [http://archive.org/details/jstor-25006264 Thirty-Two Years with Alexander VI], ''The Catholic Historical Review'', Volume 8, no. 1, April, 1922, pp. 55–58.[http://www.jstor.org/stable/25006264] [http://books.google.com/books?ei=g8ZfUdf1BYPs8gSFuoDIBA&id=qMaOfNRCq2sC&dq=%22Thirty-Two+Years+with+Alexander+VI%22&q=%22In+a+note+on+Alexander+VI+appended+to+my+translation%22#search_anchor]

{{s-start}}
{{s-rel|ca}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Pope Innocent VIII|Innocent VIII]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Pope|years=11 August 1492 – 18 August 1503}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Pope Pius III|Pius III]]}}
{{end}}
{{Popes}}
{{Catholicism}}
{{History of the Roman Catholic Church}}

{{Authority control |VIAF= |GND=118501844 }}

{{Persondata
|NAME = Alexander 06
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Pope
|DATE OF BIRTH = 1 January 1431
|PLACE OF BIRTH = Xàtiva, Valencia, Crown of Aragon
|DATE OF DEATH = 18 August 1503
|PLACE OF DEATH = Rome, Papal States
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alexander 06}}
[[Category:Pope Alexander VI|*]]
[[Category:1431 births]]
[[Category:1503 deaths]]
[[Category:15th-century Roman Catholic archbishops]]
[[Category:15th-century Spanish people]]
[[Category:16th-century Roman Catholic archbishops]]
[[Category:16th-century Spanish people]]
[[Category:Archbishops of Valencia]]
[[Category:Burials at Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli]]
[[Category:Cardinal-bishops of Albano]]
[[Category:Cardinal-bishops of Porto]]
[[Category:Cardinal-nephews]]
[[Category:Deans of the College of Cardinals]]
[[Category:House of Borgia]]
[[Category:People from Xàtiva]]
[[Category:Popes]]
[[Category:Renaissance Papacy]]
[[Category:Spanish popes]]
[[Category:University of Bologna alumni]]

{{Link GA|et}}

File:Jose de la Cuadra.jpg

2013-12-17T22:15:46Z

Jdurbo:

==Summary==
{{Non-free use rationale 2
|Description = A picture of José de la Cuadra
|Source = '''Original publication''': 1930s 
'''Immediate source''': http://literaturaecuatoriana.wikispaces.com/Jos%C3%A9+de+la+Cuadra
|Author = José de la Cuadra
|Article = José de la Cuadra
|Purpose = for visual identification of the person in question, at the top of his/her biographical article
|Replaceability = There are very few pictures of this writer
|Minimality = It will only be used in an article about this author
|Commercial = This picture was not for sale and was taken a lot time ago.
|Other information = The subject of the photograph has been deceased since: 1941
}}

==Licensing==
{{PD-Art|PD-old-70}}