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55-523: 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 ). Because of their grasping for power, they made enemies of

110-482: A new trial for Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431), at which she was posthumously vindicated. Callixtus III canonized the following four saints during his pontificate: Vincent Ferrer (3 June 1455), Osmund (1 January 1457), Albert of Trapani (15 October 1457), and Rose of Viterbo (1457). Callixtus III elevated nine new cardinals into the cardinalate in two consistories on 20 February 1456 and 17 December 1456, two of whom were cardinal nephews . The first of them

165-479: 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 d'Albret . After Alexander's death in 1503, Cesare affected the choice of the 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

220-685: A cardinal. Alexander used the marriages of his children to build alliances with powerful families in Italy and Spain. At the time, the 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 and Naples . He established

275-499: 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 . 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. He studied law and

330-506: A life of virtue." Later, as pope, Borgia canonized Ferrer on 3 June 1455. Borgia was chosen as a delegate of the Diocese of Lerida to the Council of Constance in 1416, but did not partake in the proceedings as King Alfonso V of Aragon was opposed to the council. Because of this he went to Barcelona as a representative of his diocese in a synod. Borgia cared strongly for the reestablishment of

385-455: A month after the selection. Cesare was then forced to support 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 Castle in Navarre , Spain, while besieging the rebellious army of Count de Lerín . The castle was held by Louis de Beaumont at the time it

440-547: A professor of law at the University of Lleida ; he later served as a diplomat for the kings of Aragon . He became a tutor for King Alfonso V 's illegitimate son Ferdinand . After arranging a reconciliation between Alfonso and Pope Martin V , Borgia was made Bishop of Valencia. In 1444, Pope Eugene IV named him a cardinal , and Borgia became a member of the Roman Curia. During the siege of Belgrade (1456) , Callixtus initiated

495-500: A scandal involving her alleged relationship with Pedro Calderón, 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 , also known as

550-659: 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 . It is reported that under Alexander VI's rule the Borgias hosted 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 courtesans were in attendance for

605-429: The Council of Basel (1431–1439). Borgia was appointed Bishop of Valencia by Pope Martin V on 20 August 1429 and was consecrated on 31 August 1429. He authorized Pedro Llorens to take possession of the see in his name. Borgia also tutored Alfonso V's illegitimate son Ferrante . Pope Eugene IV elevated him to the cardinalate on 2 May 1444 after he managed to reconcile the pope and King Alfonso V of Aragon. He

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660-522: The Infans Romanus (child of Rome) was Lucrezia's. Lucrezia's second marriage, to wealthy young Prince 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's father was the ruler of the Kingdom of Naples,

715-575: The Medici , the Sforza , the Shoarbs and the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola , among others. They were also patrons of the arts who contributed to the development of Renaissance art . The Borgia family stands out in history as being infamously steeped in sin and immorality, yet there is evidence to suggest that this one-dimensional characterization is a result of undeserved contemporary critiques. The Borja

770-508: The Semi-Gotha of 1912. The family themselves propagated a spurious genealogical descent from a 12th-century claimant to the crown of the Kingdom of Aragon , Pedro de Atarés , Lord of Borja, who actually died childless. Alfons de Borja (1378–1458) was born to Francina Llançol and Domingo de Borja in La Torreta, Canals , which was then situated in the Kingdom of Valencia . Alfons de Borja

825-563: The 1456 appearance of Halley's Comet , believing it to be an ill omen for the Christian defenders of Belgrade from the besieging armies of the Ottoman Empire . No known primary source supports the authenticity of this account. The 29 June 1456 papal bull of Callixtus III calling for a public prayer for the success of the crusade makes no mention of the comet. By 6 August, when the Turkish siege

880-687: The Borgia family, discussing the well known and lesser known members of the Borgia family. Pope Callixtus III Pope Callixtus III ( Italian : Callisto III , Valencian : Calixt III , Spanish : Calixto III ; 31 December 1378 – 6 August 1458), born Alfonso de Borgia ( Valencian : Alfons de Borja ), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 8 April 1455 to his death, in August 1458. Borgia spent his early career as

935-469: The Borgias to Milan's advantage by acting as a spy, and was found out by Alexander VI. Meanwhile, other political advantages (particularly with Naples) were formed, rendering the strategic marriage useless. Lucrezia, used to privileged life in the Papal court, did not adjust to the provincial atmosphere of Pesaro. By Christmas 1495, both Giovanni and Lucrezia were present again in the court at Rome. By then, Sforza

990-496: The Church, and vigorously opposed heresies." Giovanni Sforza Giovanni Sforza d'Aragona (5 July 1466 – 27 July 1510) was an Italian condottiero , lord of Pesaro and Gradara from 1483 until his death. He is best known as the first husband of Lucrezia Borgia . Their marriage was annulled on claims of his impotence in March 1497. The illegitimate son of Costanzo I Sforza , he

1045-556: The Crusade, and to engage the prayers of the faithful for the success of the enterprise. It was by order of Callixtus III that the bells were rung at midday to remind the faithful that they should pray for the welfare of the crusaders. The princes of Europe were slow in responding to the call of the pope, largely due to national rivalries. England and France's Hundred Years' War had just ended in 1453. Forces led by John Hunyadi ( Hungarian : Hunyadi János ), Captain-General of Hungary, met

1100-481: The Pope and later extended to all of Lucrezia's brothers, still continues to shade the family's history. It became a popular example of the depravity later attributed to the family despite its lack of verifiability. The marriage was eventually annulled in 1497 on grounds of non-consummation. The Sforza family had by then threatened to withhold protection to Giovanni if he did not comply with the offer, which allowed him to keep

1155-560: The Turks and defeated them at Belgrade on 22 July 1456). Shortly after his victory, Hunyadi himself died of a fever. On 29 June 1456, Callixtus III ordered the church bells to be rung at noon (see noon bell ) as a call to prayer for the welfare of those defending Belgrade. To commemorate this victory, Callixtus III ordered the Feast of the Transfiguration to be held annually on 6 August. In 1456

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1210-456: 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

1265-549: The annulment. Giovanni refused to do so on at least two grounds: first, he would have to return Lucrezia's sizable dowry, and second, doing so would require signing a paper stating he was impotent. Some sources state that Giovanni had married and even fathered illegitimate children before his union with Lucrezia, which is reasonable given his age. If those sources are correct, he was not always impotent but may have later become so. Sforza accused Lucrezia of parental and fraternal incest in response. This claim, first made solely against

1320-402: 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, some recent revisionists have looked at her in a more sympathetic light, claiming her to be a victim of her family's deceptions. One branch of the family established itself in

1375-585: The city of Velletri where for many years they served in the administration of the Papal States . Pietro Borgia, married Madonna Filomena The Borgias were infamous in their time, and have inspired numerous references in popular culture. They include novels, such as City of God: A Novel of the Borgias (1979) by Cecelia Holland , The Family (2001) by Mario Puzo , and Summer of Night (1991) by Dan Simmons , plays, operas, comics, films like The Borgia (2006), television series like Borgia (2011) and The Borgias (2011) on Showtime , and video games

1430-485: The custom that bells be rung at midday to remind the faithful to pray for the crusaders. The tradition of the Angelus noon bell still exists in most Catholic churches to this day. He was also responsible for the retrial of Joan of Arc that saw her vindicated. He appointed two nephews as cardinals , one of whom became Pope Alexander VI . He is the last pope to date to take on the pontifical name "Callixtus". Alfonso de Borgia

1485-488: The dowry but still required signing the confirmation of impotence. Sforza agreed to the terms in March or December. Six months later he provided sworn testimony that Lucrezia was a virgin. Lucrezia was by then allegedly pregnant with the Roman Infante , whose parentage was cited by some as proof of incest between her and Cesare. It is certain that Sforza did not parent the child but details beyond that are uncertain. Giovanni

1540-403: The energy, constancy and purpose which he displayed in dealing with the burning question of the day – the protection of Western civilization from the Turkish power. In this matter he gave a grand example to Christendom, and it is to be observed that in the midst of the military and political interest which claimed so large a share of his time and attention, he did not neglect the internal affairs of

1595-402: The entertainment of the banquet guests. 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. Pope Alexander VI died in Rome in 1503 after contracting

1650-498: The following year. He was thus viewed as a valuable link to Milan by the Borgia family. With the help of Giovanni's cousin, Cardinal Ascanio Sforza , the family finalized marriage negotiations in February 1492 between Giovanni, then in his mid-twenties, and Lucrezia Borgia, the twelve-year-old illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI . A proxy marriage took place on 12 June that year, as

1705-463: 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. Although Cesare had been

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1760-531: The likes of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010) by Ubisoft . In series 4 of the sketch comedy TV show Horrible Histories , a song called "the Borgia Family" was featured in the section 'Radical Renaissance'. The song is a parody of the theme song to the Addams Family . The family lore and artifacts are essential to the plot of the 1959 Disney film The Shaggy Dog . UsefulCharts on Youtube featured

1815-538: The mother of Pedro Luis de Borja and Pope Alexander VI . His other sister Catalina became of the mother of Luis de Milà y de Borja . Alfonso was baptized at Saint Mary's Basilica in Xativa , where he is honored with a statue in his memory. Borgia studied grammar, logic and the arts in Valencia and went in 1392 to the University of Lleida where he obtained a doctorate in both canon law and civil law . His early career

1870-538: The new Pope, Julius II , confirmed him as vicariate in Pesaro. He remarried to Ginevra Tiepolo, who gave him two sons, Ascanio (4 November 1505 - 24 November 1507) and Costanzo II (1510 - 1512), who succeeded him in Pesaro and Gradara. He had also two natural daughters: Battista (died in 1505) and Isabella (1503 - 1561), who married on 18 August 1520 Cipriano Sernigi (died in 1532, killed by Ottaviano Lampugnani) and in 1534 Francesco Carminati, son of Cecilia Gallerani , but

1925-462: The pope and presented him with the roll of the law. Callixtus III then read from the law and stated "We ratify the law, but condemn your interpretation", which instigated a riot at the ceremony that endangered the pope's life. Not quite two years after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, Callixtus was chiefly concerned with the organization of Christian Europe against an invasion by the Ottoman Empire . At

1980-585: The pope issued the papal bull Inter Caetera (not to be confused with Inter Caetera of 1493), reaffirming the earlier bulls Dum Diversas and Romanus Pontifex which recognized Portugal's trade rights in territories it had discovered along the West African coast. This confirmation of Romanus Pontifex also gave the Portuguese the military Order of Christ under Henry the Navigator . Callixtus III ordered

2035-510: The time, it was said that Callixtus III "speaks and thinks of nothing but the crusade", spending hours discussing the topic with a warlike zeal. An extensive building program underway in Rome was cancelled and the money funneled toward a crusade. Papal nuncios were dispatched to all the countries of Europe to beseech the princes to join once more in an effort to check the danger of a Turkish invasion. Missionaries were sent to England , France , Germany , Hungary , Portugal , and Aragon to preach

2090-509: The unity of the church and his influence with the Aragonese monarch was the factor that allowed for the conclusion of the accord between the king and the new pope. In 1418, he was named as the rector of San Nicolas of Valencia. He was also the vice-chancellor of the University of Lleida from 1420 to 1423. In 1424, he resigned his position and dedicated his service to the Aragonese king. In 1424, he

2145-499: The wedding contract stipulated that Lucrezia would stay in Rome and not consummate the marriage for a year. Her dowry was 31,000 ducats. The official marriage was celebrated in the Vatican in 1493, and reputedly was a lavish and decadent affair. He and Lucrezia spent two years in Pesaro, during which his importance to the ambitious Borgia family dwindled. Sforza tried to wield his proximity to

2200-479: 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. Her pregnancies were difficult and she lost several babies after birth. She died in 1519, 10 days after

2255-449: Was 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 ; Cesare ; Lucrezia ; and Gioffre . Rodrigo also had children by other women, including one daughter with his mistress, Giulia Farnese . As Alexander VI, Rodrigo

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2310-420: Was Rodrigo de Borgia who later became Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503), infamous for his corruption and immorality. The second was Luis Julian de Milà . The pope approved of the establishment of the University of Greifswald in 1456. According to one story that first appeared in a 1475 posthumous biography and was subsequently embellished and popularized by Pierre-Simon Laplace , Callixtus III excommunicated

2365-492: Was a noble house with origin in the town of Borja (Zaragoza) in the then Crown of Aragon . During this time, there were numerous unsubstantiated claims that the family was of originally Jewish descent, and were pretending to be pious Roman Catholics. 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

2420-498: Was a member of the powerful House of Sforza , in the line of Pesaro and Gradara (the Milanese line held the Duchy of Milan at the time). At the death of his father in 1483 he inherited the lordship of Pesaro and Gradara, though he was only seventeen and so the lordship was initially ruled by his father's widow Camilla d'Aragona as regent. In 1489 Giovanni had married Maddalena Gonzaga , daughter of Federico I of Mantua , but she died

2475-554: Was a professor of law at the University of Lleida , then a diplomat for the 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 three years, until his death in 1458. Rodrigo Borgia (1431–1503) 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

2530-474: Was aware that his fortune was precarious. He left Rome to continue with a military campaign, and upon his return in February 1497 quickly fled the city in disguise. The Pope petitioned for an annulment on Lucrezia's behalf in 1497 (divorce not being permitted in the Catholic Church). Ascanio Sforza was again called in to mediate between his cousin and the Borgias, and tried to persuade Giovanni into accepting

2585-453: Was besieged by Cesare Borgia and 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 was born in Subiaco , Italy to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Roman mistress Vannozza dei Catanei. Before

2640-457: Was born in La Torreta in 1378. La Torreta was at the time in the Señorío de Torre de Canals (but is now a neighborhood of Novetlè ). At the time he was born in the Kingdom of Valencia under the Crown of Aragon . He was the eldest child of Juan Domingo de Borja y Doncel and Francina Llançol. His sister Isabel married Jofré Llançol i Escrivà (son of Rodrigo Gil de Borja y Fennolet ), and become

2695-588: Was broken, the comet had not been visible in either Europe or Turkey for several weeks. Callixtus III died on 6 August 1458. His remains were transferred in 1586 and again in 1610 with the remains of his nephew Alexander VI to Santa Maria in Monserrato . His remains were transferred once more on 21 August 1889 in the chapel of San Diego. In his will he left 5000 ducats to establish a hospital. Catholic historian Ludwig von Pastor opined: "Except for his nepotism, Calixtus III deserves high praise, more especially for

2750-448: Was elected pope at an advanced age as a "compromise candidate" in the conclave of 8 April 1455 . He took the pontifical name Callixtus III. He was crowned on 20 April 1455 by Cardinal Protodeacon Prospero Colonna . After his coronation, he rode a white horse through the streets of the city and followed the ancient custom, known as Monte Giordano, where representatives of the Jews met with

2805-511: Was elevated as the Cardinal-Priest of Santi Quattro Coronati . He took up his official residence in Rome and was a member of the Roman Curia . He participated in the papal conclave of 1447 that saw the election of Pope Nicholas V . He was known for an austere and charitable life. Borgia's coat of arms after he was consecrated featured a grazing ox. As pope it remained the same. Borgia

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2860-544: Was excommunicated in 1500 and the citizens of one of his cities attempted to kill him. He was also attacked by Cesare Borgia, who aimed to gain Sforza's lands, and was forced to abandon Pesaro. He sued in vain for help to all the major powers of the time including France and the Holy Roman Empire. Giovanni Sforza could return to Pesaro only after the death of Alexander VI and the illness of Cesare Borgia (1503). The following year

2915-484: Was named as the apostolic administrator of the see of Mallorca. It was at that time that the king desired that he be made a cardinal ; Pope Martin V refused the request. During the Great Western Schism he supported Antipope Benedict XIII and was also the driving force behind Antipope Clement VIII 's submission to Pope Martin V in 1429. He then served as a diplomat to the kings of Aragon , especially during

2970-465: Was recognized as a skilled politician and diplomat. However, he was widely criticized during his reign for his over-spending, sale of Church offices , lasciviousness, and nepotism . As Pope, he sought to acquire more personal and papal power and wealth, often ennobling and enriching the Borgia family directly. He appointed his son, Giovanni, as captain-general of the papal army , his foremost military representative, and established another son, Cesare, as

3025-476: Was spent as a professor of law at the University of Lleida. Around 1411, he attended a sermon by Vincent Ferrer . Afterward, the Dominican said to the future pope: "My son, you one day will be called to be the ornament of your house and of your country. You will be invested with the highest dignity that can fall to the lot of man. After my death, I shall be the object of your special honour. Endeavor to persevere in

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