The Borgias
Christopher Hibbert2008

The name Borgia is synonymous with the corruption, nepotism, and greed that were rife in Renaissance Italy. Notorious for seizing power, wealth, land and titles through bribery, marriage and murder, the dynasty's dramatic rise from its Spanish roots to its occupation of the highest position in Renaissance society is a gripping tale.

The powerful, voracious Rodrigo Borgia, better known as Pope Alexander VI, was the central figure of the dynasty. Two of his seven papal offspring also rose to power and fame: Cesare, who served as the model for Niccolo Machivelli's "The Prince", and his daughter Lucrezia Borgia who, alongside Cesare, famously murdered her husband.