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“His parents were Jofré de Borja i Escrivà and Isabell de Borja, sister of Cardinal Alfonso de Borja, Pope Callixtus III. He was the first cousin of Cardinal Luis Juan de Milà y Borja, and father of Cardinal César Borgia. Great-uncle of cardinals Juan de Borja Llançol de Romaní, Pedro Luis de Borja Llançol de Romaní, Francisco Lloris y de Borja and great-great-grandfather of Rodrigo Luis de Borja y de Castre-Pinós. Rodrigo was meanwhile acquiring new titles, and at the same time, he served not only the Roman Curia under his uncle Pope Callixtus III, but also during the four following pontificates — Pius II, Paul II, Sixtus IV and Innocent VIII — thus gaining experience, influence, wealth and power. Children with unrecorded maternity were: Pedro Luís Borgia (1458–1491), 1st Duke of Gandia; Isabella Borgia (1467–1547), married to Pietro Mattuzzi; Girolama Borgia (1469–1483), married to Gianandrea Cesarini. With Giulia Farnese, he possibly had a daughter: Laura Orsini (1492-1530). The German historian Hartmann Schedel, after summarizing his career, describes him as a man of broad vision, blessed with great prudence, ability to see the future, and knowledge of the world. By his knowledge of books, appreciation of art, and probity, he was a worthy successor to his uncle Callixtus III. He was amiable, trustworthy, prudent, pious, and knowledgeable in the matters pertaining to his dignified office. Schedel concludes by saying that it was a blessing that a person with so many virtues should have been elevated to this dignified position.” (request by anon)

Does she love me?

As she loves her brother?

Rodrigo Borgia: what a beautiful boy. We shall christen him Cesare—after the Roman Emperor and title.

Rodrigo Borgia: one day, my papal name will be Alexander—after the conqueror of Greek fame.

Vannozza Cattanei: Brilliant. What shall we name our two younger sons?

Rodrigo Borgia: eeeh… Johnny and Jeff..?

#people say Juan was the favorite but idk #Lucrezia has a beautiful name at least #italian renaissance #history memes #the borgias #Borgia #Alexander vi #Micheletto #ooc

Some thoughts concerning "Blood and Beauty" by Sarah Dunant and "Borgia: Faith and Fear".

Some years ago, I watched the European TV series about the Borgias. There, Alexander VI is perceived as the real engine of his family's rise in Rome; he is cunning, astute, masterfully weaves intrigues, does not hesitate when it is necessary to get rid of a political opponent. It is he who guides his sons, distributes them on the chessboard of life and does not accept disobedience. In the book, we see a completely different Pope. Yes, he is an excellent politician, too, he does everything for the sake of the family, BUT he always keeps counsel with Cesare. So, it seems, there are not one, but two Popes in the novel... Alexander VI is nervous in the presence of his own son, and I'm surprised he doesn't tremble. Nevertheless, one of Cesare's biographies also says this:

<...> the Pope himself seemed afraid of Caesar.

— Chapter VI, “Caesar Borgia: a study of the Renaissance”, John Leslie Garner

The series also vividly shows Cesare's duality. Being (almost) a clergyman, he wants to be pious, sympathises with the disadvantaged, tries to calm the impulses of his nature, punishes himself for his flaws (cruelly and terribly). But he can't get out of the vicious circle, and often in moments of emotional stress, his short temper makes itself felt and again leads to bad (and sad) consequences. It is only after becoming a real warrior that Cesare finds meaning in life, shows all his talents, reaches heights... that is, the character develops. In the novel, he is as cold as ice, there is no passion, desire, or empathy for others. He loves his sister (like no other woman), but he keeps hurting her, uses her for selfish purposes. In general, both in the series and in the book, of course, this hero is ambiguous, and I think he is interesting everywhere. It's good to have different points of view, and to be able to compare the motives and actions of the characters. We will never know what Cesare was like in reality, but we can ponder upon it and form our own (probably completely wrong ;D) opinion. And I still like the series Cesare (and the Pope) more, to tell the truth 😄

If I'm not mistaken, the American series was inspired by the novel, so that adaptation must differ A LOT from the European one (and not only in terms of costumes and the choice of actors). I'm not sure if I want to watch it, I still can't get used to the faces of the characters there, but we'll see.