Rise and Fall of the Borgias

Since its rise to the highest ranks of power in Renaissance Europe, the Borgia family has developed a scandalous reputation. While they were indeed ostentatious, calculating, worldly, cruel—and even, occasionally, murderous—listeners may be surprised to find that the Borgias were not terribly different from other powerful and ambitious families of their day. So why has history set them apart as one of the most corrupt and reviled families in history?

In the Rise and Fall of the Borgias, listeners will spend 10 revealing lectures untangling the web of rumors, speculation, and historical embellishment from what is actually known about the infamous Roman family. With Dr. William Landon, listeners will explore the historical context that helped the Borgias make their fortune and better understand how they could be both magnanimous and ruthless, pious and morally suspect.

The story of the Borgias is rich with intrigue, even without the fictional enhancement it has received from the numerous films, novels, and television shows that have been created based on the family’s notoriety. Dr. Landon introduces listeners to the major players and lays bare their machinations to reach the highest offices of church and state. Were their exploits as salacious as listeners have been led to believe? Did they manipulate the papacy for their own gain? Are the rumors of incest, bribery, political assassinations, and other morally questionable behaviors true or the stuff of historical gossip?

As listeners explore these and other rumors surrounding the Borgias, they will pull back the curtain on the historian’s craft and see how the story of this Renaissance dynasty has been shaped over time and how new research and a healthy dose of skepticism has allowed us to get a little closer to the truth—without losing any of the drama.

©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

A brief history of the Borgias

A very compelling history of the Borgia family. It was a great listen and highly recommend it.

Excellent!

One of the most well researched biographies I've read on the Borgias. Well done!

Fascinating historical portrait

This really made me think about the roll of gossip and backbiting in history and today. History is always more complicated than it appears on the surface. These lectures on the Borgias were wonderful and entertaining, neither glossing over, nor glorifying this powerful family. Time and credit well spent.

Informative

I certainly didn't know the first thing about the Borgia family before listening to these lectures. I learned a great deal about the history, religion, and culture of their lives.

Not too shaggy, I meant shabby.

Good take on this family. I’m craving more information after completing this, which is fitting for a 5 hour course. Now I’ll have to purchase another audible experience…