Rise of the Borgias – Detailed Summary
In the January 9, 2025 episode of "Not Just the Tudors" by History Hit, Professor Susannah Lipscomb and guest historian Dr. Catherine Fellowes delve deep into the tumultuous ascent of the Borgia family during the Renaissance. This episode, titled "Rise of the Borgias," explores the intricate dynamics of power, ambition, and scandal that defined one of history’s most notorious dynasties.
Introduction to the Borgia Dynasty
The episode opens with an overview of the Borgia family's meteoric rise in Renaissance Italy. Originating from Spain, the Borgias became synonymous with "unbridled ambition, absolute power, and shameful scandals" during the 15th and early 16th centuries. Their strategic use of diplomacy, marriage alliances, and military force allowed them to navigate the fragmented political landscape of Italy, even as rumors of incest, murder, and debauchery tarnished their legacy.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [00:58]: "Stories of incest, murder and debauchery swirled around them. But how true were the accusations?"
Calixtus III: The Foundation of Borgia Power
The discussion begins with Calixtus III, the first Borgia pope appointed in 1455. Unlike his more infamous nephew Rodrigo, Calixtus is often overshadowed in historical narratives. Nonetheless, his election was pivotal for the Borgia family's ascent.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [03:15]: "Calixtus was quite an erudite academic individual... He was quite elderly by the time that he's actually appointed Calixtus III."
Calixtus's modest lifestyle and strategic navigation of the contentious conclave set the stage for his family's influence. His appointment as a compromise candidate by the College of Cardinals, who sought someone they could manipulate, was a calculated move that benefited the Borgias.
Nepotism and Ecclesiastical Ambitions
A significant focus is placed on nepotism within the Church during this era. Calixtus III's elevation of his nephews, particularly Rodrigo Borgia, to influential positions exemplifies the common practice of familial favoritism.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [07:11]: "It's very much common at this time... It is the charge or one of the most notorious charges that the Borgias face is Calixtus essentially jump starting Rodrigo's and one of his other papal nephews."
This nepotistic approach was not unique to the Borgias but was a widespread tactic among Renaissance popes to consolidate power and ensure familial dominance within the Church hierarchy.
Political Maneuvers and Crusading Efforts
Calixtus III's papacy coincided with significant geopolitical events, notably the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This spurred him to initiate a crusade against the Ottoman Turks, although garnering support proved challenging.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [09:32]: "Calixtus uses some of what he sort of scripts back on to kickstart his crusading and sort of fund... But the unfortunate thing is that Westman Christendom is so tired of crusading that there's little buy-in."
Despite limited success, these efforts underscored the Borgias' commitment to expanding their influence beyond Italy, particularly into Spain through strategic legations and alliances.
Rodrigo Borgia: From Cardinal to Pope Alexander VI
Rodrigo Borgia's rise is meticulously charted, highlighting his academic prowess and strategic acumen. Appointed Vice Chancellor, Rodrigo amassed considerable wealth and influence, setting the groundwork for his eventual ascent to the papacy.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [11:20]: "The office of Vice Chancellor itself was a particularly well-paid... it can claim whoever is holding the office of Vice Chancellor the money from vacant offices in the chancery."
In 1492, Rodrigo was unanimously elected Pope Alexander VI, capitalizing on over three decades of strategic alliances and experience within the College of Cardinals.
Professor Susannah Lipscomb [23:24]: "Rodrigo was meticulous, being sat, sort of waiting, biding his time... he plays quite a hand close to his chest."
Challenges During Papacy: Italian Wars and Savonarola
Alexander VI's papacy was marred by significant political turmoil. The onset of the Italian Wars saw French incursions into Italy, forcing Rodrigo to defend his authority against both external threats and internal dissent.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [26:43]: "We're very much caught up in the middle... Your troops have billeted in Rome... French troops on Italian soil."
Additionally, the rise of Savonarola, a fervent religious reformer, posed a direct challenge to Borgia's authority. Rodrigo's attempts to placate Savonarola through diplomacy ultimately failed, leading to the reformer's execution.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [31:37]: "Savonarola's excommunicated and Florence itself is threatened by sort of interdict... It does for Savonarola, come down to his execution on 23 May 1498."
The Role of Borgia Offspring in Consolidating Power
The Borgia children, particularly Cesare and Lucrezia, played instrumental roles in expanding and consolidating the family's power base through strategic marriages and military endeavors.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [33:04]: "Cesare, whilst he's in the College of Cardinals, is but one example of Borgia growing power and attempts to control it."
Lucrezia's multiple marriages forged alliances across Italy, Spain, and France, while Cesare's military campaigns in the Romagna region exemplified the family's aggressive expansionist policies.
Legacy and Infamy: The Devilish Image
Rodrigo Borgia's legacy is heavily tainted by contemporary and subsequent depictions of his character. A notable woodcut from around 1500 portrays Pope Alexander VI as the Devil, reinforcing his corrupt and avaricious image.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [35:49]: "This woodcut... is still produced at the time where he's alive. So it's anonymous... It could be manipulated... This was an idea that could be played about with..."
Such imagery was instrumental in shaping the enduring mythos of the Borgias as embodiments of vice and corruption, a portrayal that has persisted through centuries of historiography.
Death and the Enigma of Legacy
Rodrigo Borgia's death in 1503 remains shrouded in mystery, further complicating efforts to discern historical truths from myth.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [42:17]: "There's a murder mystery with the death of his son in 1497... but it's more probable that Borgia... succumbed to malarial fever."
The inhospitable manner of his funeral and the subsequent political instability highlighted the volatile nature of his rule and the precariousness of his legacy.
Separating Myth from Reality
The episode concludes with a reflective analysis on the challenges of disentangling the Borgias' factual history from their infamous mythology. Dr. Fellowes emphasizes the necessity of critical examination of primary sources, acknowledging the biases and inaccuracies that have historically plagued accounts of the family.
Dr. Catherine Fellowes [45:13]: "It's about sifting through it. And that can go both ways... It remains an absolute uphill struggle to navigate Borgia historiography."
She recommends balanced historical studies, such as Michael Mallet's work, as essential resources for a more nuanced understanding of the Borgias beyond their sensationalized reputation.
Conclusion
"Rise of the Borgias" offers a comprehensive exploration of the Borgia family's rise to power, highlighting the interplay of political strategy, nepotism, and personal ambitions that defined their legacy. Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Fellowes provide insightful analysis, challenging listeners to reconsider the storied history of one of Renaissance Italy's most infamous dynasties.
Professor Susannah Lipscomb [47:37]: "Thank you very much for starting us off on our journey, hopefully towards finding out something of the truth of the dynasty."
Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation of the complexities surrounding the Borgias, encouraging a more critical and informed view of historical narratives.