The Borgias were one of the richest and most notorious families in Renaissance Italy. One of their number was Pope Alexander VI, a powerful and often corrupt man who did much to advance other members of the Borgia clan.
The House of Borgia in the Sixteenth Century
The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were years of fame and power for the Borgia clan. Through marriage, bribery, nepotism they rose from their relatively humble Spanish roots to become one of the most powerful clans in Italy. On the way they made many enemies, particularly those who hated to see Borgia family members helping and advancing each other in the highest sections of society.
Christopher Hibbert looks at why the Borgias became so powerful, and sets his study in the colourful context of Renaissance Italy, including Rome and the secretive world of the Vatican.
Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI
One of the central figures of this biography is the colourful Rodrigo Borgia, who became the powerful Pope Alexander VI. As father of seven children, Rodrigo advanced his family members, at least two of whom became wealthy and powerful as a result of his help.
Rodrigo died in 1503, and immediately after his death, rumours began to swirl around Rome and the Vatican about the manner of his demise and who would succeed him as Pope. There was an unseemly struggle from family members and servants for his possessions, and the Pope’s funeral procession had to be heavily guarded, for fear that a former enemy might seek to claim his revenge by disrupting the ceremony.
Members of the Borgia Clan
The 29 chapters of The House of Borgia cover a wealth of topics relating to this fascinating family. These include marriages and alliances, murder, frolics and festivities, the Duchess of Ferrera and the conquest of Naples.
Summary
The House of Borgia is a worthy final work from one of the world’s most highly regarded historians. Christopher Hibbert wrote more than fifty acclaimed books, and this biography is testimony to his talent as a historian and researcher.
The information is set out in a clear and entertaining way, and the little anecdotes which Hibbert includes throughout really bring Renaissance Italy to life. Despite their wealth and power, members of the Borgia clan were all too human, and prone to jealousy and greed, vices which were to permeate the family for centuries.
A hugely enjoyable and engrossing read from a historian who will be sadly missed.
Publication details
Hibbert, Christopher The House of Borgia [Constable, 2009]
ISBN 7981849010696, 328 pages
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