The Papal States Under Pope Alexander VI Borgia

Episode 110 of The Story of Italy dives into the reign of Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia, one of the most controversial figures of the Renaissance. Lucas and Luna explore how his papacy reshaped the Papal States through nepotism, military campaigns, and political maneuvering. They discuss the Borgia family's rise, the patronage of the arts, the infamous bull 'Inter caetera' dividing the New World, and the complex legacy of a pope who embodied both Renaissance splendor and corruption. The episode covers key events like the French invasion of Italy, the Savonarola affair in Florence, and the Borgia's efforts to consolidate power in central Italy through his son Cesare Borgia. Listeners will learn about the political landscape of late 15th-century Italy, the role of the College of Cardinals, and how Alexander VI's actions set the stage for the Reformation. #PopeAlexanderVI #RodrigoBorgia #Borgia #PapalStates #Renaissance #CesareBorgia #Savonarola #InterCaetera #FrenchInvasionOfItaly #CollegeOfCardinals #Nepotism #Machiavelli #ItalianWars #HistoryOfItaly #FexingoHistory #RenaissancePopes #Vatican #15thCentury Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo