Lucrezia Borgia: The Renaissance scandal icon on TV!

Lucrezia Borgia: The Renaissance scandal icon on TV!

The upcoming documentary "The Daughter of the Pope" by Cuini Amelio-Ortiz offers a deep insight into the life of Lucrezia Borgia, the daughter of Pope Alexander VI. This has been surrounded by political intrigues for centuries and has often been defamed as a poisonous murderer and incestuous femme. The first broadcast will take place on April 22, 2025 at 11:05 p.m. on ORF 2 and ORF on how [OTS] (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250421_ots0005/neue-kreuz-doku-ueber-daughter-die-des-lucrezia-am-2305-uhr-in-2-und-und- on

Lucrezia Borgia lived during one of the most fascinating and at the same time scandalous phases of the Italian Renaissance. As an illegitimate daughter of Rodrigo Borgia, later Pope Alexander VI, and sister of Cesare Borgia, she was often used by her family as a political chess figure. Her three marriages - the first with Giovanni Sforza, the second with Alfonso from Bisceglie and the third with Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara - should stake the Borgias game game and forge important alliances. Especially the first marriage ratio, which was canceled in 1497 on the basis of non-consumption, led to an early public scandal, such as [History Explained] (https://historyexplained.org/lucrezia-de-borgia scandals- and-power-plays-renaissance-lyy/).

political intrigue and personal challenges

The role of Lucrezia was characterized by enormous challenges. Her second husband, Alfonso from Bisceglie, was murdered in 1500, with her brother Cesare being suspected of being behind the crime. This shows which cruel funds the Borgia family used to maintain power. After the death of her second husband, Lucrezia married Alfonso d’Este, which not only brought her stability, but also enabled an escape from the more intrigant aspects of the Borgia clan. With this marriage connection, she was finally able to rise to a respected Duchess who showed her skills in the administration and promotion of the arts.

The representation of Lucrezia as a unscrupulous poisonous mixer proves to be a common result of political manipulations and slander by her father's opponents. These claims have never been proven, and the title as a health threat could rather be a tactic for discrediting Pope Alexander VI. be understood. The documentation not only addresses Lucrezia's dramatic life story, but also how the image of historical figures is distorted by personal and political interests.

The Borgia family and their heir

The Borgia family, known for their power games and scandals, has with personalities like Pope Calixtus III., Alexander VI. And Cesare Borgia creates a "dynasty" that still causes a stir. The ascent began with Alfonso de Borgia, who was elected Pope and paved his successor his way. Alexander VI, who was one of the most controversial popes into history, ensured a sharp decline in family honor with nepotism and political alliances. The murder of Juan Borgia, Alexander's son, and the brutal machinations around the family illustrate the often bloody arguments for influence and control in Italy, such as Geelane describes.

Lucrezia Borgia survived her family's power struggles and, from 1501, enjoyed recognition and respect as the Duchess of Ferrara. Her transformation from a shameful figure to a respected patronage of the arts is remarkable and testifies to her influence and skill in a world dominated by men. While the Borgia family ultimately lost importance and died out in the 18th century, Lucrezia's story remains a fascinating example of the complex social and political structures of the Renaissance.