Italian family
Alternative Title: Borja family
Four Borgias became especially noteworthy in a historical sense. Alfonso de Borgia (1378–1458) established the family’s influence in Italy and became Pope Calixtus III in 1455 (see Calixtus III). Rodrigo Borgia became a cardinal of the Roman Catholic church and, later (1492), Pope Alexander VI (see Alexander VI under Alexander [Papacy]). As cardinal and pope, Rodrigo fathered a number of children by his mistress Vannozza Catanei. Cesare Borgia (q.v.; c. 1475/76–1507), son of Rodrigo, achieved political power while ruthlessly attempting to establish a secular kingdom in central Italy. Lucrezia Borgia (q.v.; 1480–1519), a daughter of Rodrigo and a patron of the arts, became famous for her skill at political intrigue.
The family produced many other persons of lesser importance. One, St. Francis Borgia (1510–1572), a great-grandson of Rodrigo, was canonized. The family began to decline in the late 1500s. By the middle of the 18th century it had disappeared.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn, Managing Editor, Reference Content.
Editor’s Note:
The Borgia Family was renowned for poising its enemies. I made a further historical research: I wanted to know when in European history the habit of ‘Ladies First’ appeared.
I found that it has something to do with the Borgia Family. You see in those days, anybody ‘who was somebody … had a servant to taste the food before the family members eat themselves.
Now as then, inflation happened and many families could not afford any more the ‘food tasters’. Consequently, the oh so polite men of the family started the ‘ladies first’ habit. The ladies did not notice and were even proud to be given the chance – (as long as they survived, and those who did not could not tell any more).
Ah well, just saying …
Note: I am posting this under ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ so that you cannot blame me for posting badly researched historical News.
