Summary of Paul Strathern's The Borgias

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Borja family, which originated from the remote hill town of Borja, Spain, had royal blood. They believed that the Borgias were the descendants of kings and were destined to become kings once more. #2 Alonso de Borja was the king’s secretary, and was in charge of overseeing his affairs and duties. He was also required to undertake diplomatic missions, which he did with great skill. By 1442, he had also become King of Naples, which included King of Sicily and Jerusalem. #3 The city of Rome was a shadow of its former glory by the fifteenth century. The population had dwindled to less than 20,000, and they lived amongst the crumbling ruins of the eternal city. #4 The end of the Avignon Schism marked the return of Rome to the fold of civilized Italy. The Pope began to build up an extensive collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and paintings. The aristocratic families began to flourish, adorning their palazzi with treasures and works of art.