Alexander VI, (Rodrigo Borgia) pope 1492-1503, is the most memorable of the secular popes of the Renaissance. He was born at Xàtiva, València, Spain, and his father's surname was Lanzol or Llançol; that of his mother's family, Borgia or Borja, was assumed by him on the elevation of his maternal uncle to the papacy as Callixtus III (April 8, 1455).

An excellent example of the extreme levels of corruption and immorality then present in the papacy was the Banquet of Chestnuts, an episode famous in the history of pornography. Although ecclesiastical corruption was then at its height, his riotous mode of life called down upon him a mild reprimand from Pope Pius II, who succeeded Calixtus III in 1458. On the death of Pope Innocent VIII, the three likely candidates for the Holy See were Cardinals Borgia, Ascanio Sforza and Giuliano della Rovere. According to rumour, Borgia by his great wealth succeeded in buying the largest number of votes, including that of Sforza, though there is no substantial proof of simony. To his intense joy he was elected on August 11, 1492, assuming the name of Alexander VI.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... exander_VI View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Christians • Borgia • Capricorn • Christianity • Italy • January 01 • Popes • Renaissance • Spain • People