'The Borgias' Character Guide: Rodrigo Borgia Aka Pope Alexander VI

I've always been fascinated by "The Borgias" and have researched them off and on for several years. Like so many others, I was ecstatic when Showtime announced plans to bring their story to the small screen in the same way they did "The Tudors." It'll certainly be interesting to see how actor Jeremy Irons portrays Rodrigo Borgia in the new series. This talented actor is reason enough to tune in.

The family, whose original surname was "de Borya" before being changed to the Italian "Borgia" originated in Spain and was the original crime family of the Italian Renaissance era. The Spanish family produced two popes, Alfonso (Callixtus III) and Rodrigo (Alexander VI). They were greedy, ruthless, and killed for personal wealth. Rodrigo Borgia was head of this notorious family and became the most well-known pope in history.

Rodrigo was a complex man who led a complex life, but here are a few highlights.

Who was Rodrigo Borgia?

Rodrigo Borgia was born in 1431 in Xàtiva, Valencia, Spain. Rodrigo was ruthless and ambitious but he was a devoted family man. He used his position within the church to achieve power, wealth, and influence.

Rodrigo becomes Pope Alexander VI:

As Pope Alexander VI, he is known not for his kindness or anything holy, but for his ruthlessness, greed, and nepotism, He was, in fact, a perpetuator of evil who bribed his way into the pontificate in 1492. Had it not been for the greed of 17 of 22 cardinals who voted for pope, he would not have succeeded and history would likely be much different.

"He turned the papacy into a personal kingdom, using it to empower and enrich his family." - Showtime

The Pope, his women, and his children:

Although he was pope, he continued to pursue women and frequently engaged in carnal pleasure, fathering at least seven children with mistresses that included Vanozza Dei Cattanei and Giulia Farnese. Two of his children, Cesare and Lucrezia - along with their father and great uncle Pope Calixtus III - are among the best known members of the Borgia family.

You would never guess by the paintings of an aged Pope Alexander VI that when he was a young man, he was considered to be quite handsome with his dark eyes and full mouth. As an aged pope, he became overweight and had lost the charm he once had that made him so endearing to the ladies.

The death of Pope Alexander VI:

Alexander VI and Cesare Borgia had both become licentious by the time 1500 rolled around and were both had committed murders. It is believed that they had intended to murder one Cardinal Adrian Corneto by putting poison in a cup. Believing he was a target, the Cardinal switched cups and the Borgia's drank from it. Both men fell ill and the pope died within a few days in August 1503.

Following his death, Alexander VI was taken to a chapel where his body was left unattended. It became bloated and began to slowly decompose in the August heat. When a man by the name of Burchard returned to the chapel to prepare the popes body for burial, he found it so bloated that it could not fit into a coffin and had to be stuffed in.

Alexander VI is buried at Iglesia de Santiago y Montserrat in Rome, Lazio, Italy.

"The Borgias" is scheduled to premier Sunday, April 3 at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Sources:
Borgia Family Researcher