Podcast Summary: "Lucrezia Borgia" – Not Just the Tudors

Podcast Information:

• Title: Not Just the Tudors
• Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
• Episode: Lucrezia Borgia
• Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction to Lucrezia Borgia In this captivating episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Susannah Lipscomb delves deep into the enigmatic life of Lucrezia Borgia—a figure often overshadowed by scandal and myth. Joined by distinguished historian Diane Girardo, the discussion seeks to unravel the complexities of Lucrezia's life, painting a portrait of resilience, intelligence, and political acumen beyond the notorious reputation.

Early Life and Political Marriages The conversation begins with Lucrezia's early life and her strategic marriages orchestrated by her influential family.

• First Marriage to Giovanni Sforza (02:21): Professor Lipscomb asks, "How did such a marriage serve to strengthen the political alliances of the Borgias?" Diane Girardo explains that Lucrezia was married at just 13 to Giovanni Sforza to cement alliances between the Borgias and the Duke of Milan. Contrary to later reputations, Girardo emphasizes Lucrezia's happiness in this union:

  "Lucrecia was a very happy, joyful, lovely girl. She was full of energy and happiness" (05:16).

• Second Marriage and the Controversy (07:20): Addressing allegations of incest and scandal, Girardo clarifies that much of what was rumored remained within the confines of the elite. She states:

  "Nobody could read, so the large bunch of people living there couldn't read. But the people who did read saw that as a damning feature" (07:31).

• Third Marriage to Alfonso I d'Este (13:10): The episode explores Lucrezia's marriage to Alfonso I d'Este, highlighting a relationship built on genuine affection. Girardo notes:

  "Apparently she did fall in love, and he was very present when she lost her child... They had great sex" (13:19).

Allegations and Scandals The infamous rumors surrounding Lucrezia Borgia are critically examined to distinguish fact from fiction.

• The Infant Romanus Controversy (08:37): Discussing the rumors of Lucrezia bearing an illegitimate child, Girardo provides evidence of her son Giovanni:

  "He was born... he lived and wrote to them until, I think, Ercole II wrote to him in exchange" (08:37).

• Debunking Affairs and Poisoning Myths (27:14): Girardo challenges the enduring myths of Lucrezia's affairs and poisoning incidents, asserting:

  "All of these things are not true... She spent two hours in prayer every morning" (28:19).

Economic and Business Activities Beyond the scandals, Lucrezia Borgia emerges as a formidable businesswoman and landowner.

• Land Reclamation and Economic Initiatives (30:54): Girardo highlights Lucrezia's unprecedented land reclamation efforts:

  "She had something like 25,000 etere, which are 50,000 acres... she would make agreements to do exactly that" (34:02).

• Philanthropy and Community Development (35:46): Discussing Lucrezia's protection of land for communal benefit, Girardo explains:

  "She protected them for the benefits that they brought to the people who worked them... she did it for the county of Ferrara" (35:46).

Re-defining Lucrezia's Legacy The episode emphasizes the need to view Lucrezia Borgia through a lens that acknowledges her multifaceted character.

• Challenging Historical Narratives (37:21): Girardo advocates for a reevaluation of Lucrezia's legacy:

  "She was a businesswoman in a very specific way... she engaged in dialogue with priests" (30:54).

• Comparisons with Contemporaries (37:58): Highlighting differences with her sister-in-law Isabella d'Este, Girardo points out Lucrezia's unique contributions:

  "She didn't do it for her children or herself, but for the people and the county" (37:58).

Conclusions: Bridging Fact and Myth Concluding the episode, Professor Lipscomb and Diane Girardo reflect on the enduring fascination with Lucrezia Borgia.

• Reconciling Historical Evidence with Reputation (40:09): Girardo underscores the importance of examining primary sources to understand Lucrezia's true character:

  "I showed all 800 of her letters to demonstrate she was a woman who cared" (40:09).

• Final Thoughts on Her True Character (41:00): Emphasizing Lucrezia's devotion and altruism, Girardo remarks:

  "She celebrated Christ in all her jewelry, not herself or her family" (41:00).

Closing Remarks Professor Susannah Lipscomb wraps up the episode by acknowledging the nuanced portrayal of Lucrezia Borgia presented by Diane Girardo. The discussion not only debunks long-held myths but also celebrates Lucrezia's achievements as a politically astute and philanthropic figure in Renaissance Italy.

"You've certainly given us a very different picture of this woman than I have ever heard or read before. Thank you so much for coming on to share it with us." (41:08)

Key Takeaways:

• Lucrezia Borgia as a Strategic Marquise: Her marriages were pivotal in forging political alliances, not mere personal unions.
• Debunking Scandals: Many of the notorious tales about her affairs and poisoning are unfounded or exaggerated.
• Economic Prowess: Lucrezia was instrumental in land reclamation and community development, showcasing her as a forward-thinking businesswoman.
• Philanthropic Legacy: Her efforts were aimed at benefiting the people of Ferrara, reflecting her compassionate leadership.
• Re-evaluating Historical Narratives: It's essential to differentiate between myth and reality to appreciate her true contributions to history.

Notable Quotes:

• Diane Girardo on Lucrezia's happiness in her first marriage:

  "Lucrecia was a very happy, joyful, lovely girl. She was full of energy and happiness" ([05:16]).

• On debunking Lucrezia's alleged affairs:

  "All of these things are not true... She spent two hours in prayer every morning" ([28:19]).

• Highlighting her business acumen:

  "She had something like 25,000 etere, which are 50,000 acres... she would make agreements to do exactly that" ([34:02]).

• Emphasizing her philanthropic motivations:

  "She protected them for the benefits that they brought to the people who worked them... she did it for the county of Ferrara" ([35:46]).

• On re-defining her legacy:

  "I showed all 800 of her letters to demonstrate she was a woman who cared" ([40:09]).

Conclusion This episode of Not Just the Tudors sheds new light on Lucrezia Borgia, portraying her as a multifaceted individual whose political marriages, economic initiatives, and philanthropic efforts played a significant role in Renaissance Italy. By challenging long-standing myths, Professor Lipscomb and Diane Girardo invite listeners to reconsider Lucrezia's place in history, celebrating her as a figure of resilience and benevolence rather than mere scandal.