Not Just the Tudors
Rise of the Borgias
Jan 9, 2025
Join historian Katharine Fellows, whose work focuses on Rodrigo Borgia, as she unravels the notorious Borgia family saga. They delve into the ruthless mechanisms of power and influence employed by Rodrigo, later Pope Alexander VI. The episode unveils scandalous tales of ambition, nepotism, and political manipulation in Renaissance Italy. Focusing on Lucrezia as a savvy player amidst the chaos, they also discuss how visual propaganda shaped the Borgias' legacy, challenging the myths that surround these infamous figures.
46:08
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Borgias rose to power in Renaissance Italy through diplomacy, marriage alliances, and military force, despite their notorious reputation for scandal.
- Pope Alexander VI's controversial papacy, marked by nepotism and personal scandals, exemplified the complex interplay of ambition and public perception in historical narratives.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Borgia Family
The Borgia family rose to prominence in Renaissance Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries by employing a strategy of diplomacy, marriage alliances, and military force. Their ambition included establishing a permanent duchy in Italy and transforming the papacy into a hereditary monarchy, which set them apart from their contemporaries. They navigated a politically fragmented landscape, gaining both influence and notoriety, as their rise was tainted by numerous scandals, including allegations of incest and murder. This duality of ambition coupled with scandal positioned them as one of the most infamous families of their time.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
