A World Lit Only By Fire/ Machiavelli/ and Anatomy of Revolu

Rodrigo Borgia was born in Spain in 1431, the nephew of Cardinal Alfonso Borgia, who would later become Pope Callixtus III. He was later adopted into the Borgia family, and was from then on known as Rodrigo Borgia.

Rodrigo had not yet chosen a career when his uncle was made Pope; this opened many doors for young Rodrigo. After studying law at the University at Bologna, he was made Cardinal Deacon of St. Nicolo, at the age of 25 (1456). After this he received many other titles and worked his way up through the Roman Catholic Church’s government.

Not only did his uncle help him but he had many personal characteristics which assisted him also. He had a charismatic and cheerful disposition, and was very handsome. He was a brilliant conversationalist, and learned and mastered the ways

When Henry VIII died after a thirty-eight year reign in 1547, Edward soon to be known as Edward VI, ruled. He was the only son and only heir of Jane Seymour and Henry VIII, and he died in 1553 after a 6 year rule. Next in line was Mary, otherwise known as Bloody Mary. She was known as this for her merciless killing of Protestants and reversing many of Henry’s Anglican Church laws. After a brief marriage to King Phillip II of Spain, she died in1558, leaving no children. Now it was Elizabeth’s time.

To all of these things Machiavelli would agree. Machiavelli believes, “A prince need trouble little about conspiracies when the people are well disposed.” (Machiavelli, p.48). By building Universities and fortresses and encouraging the arts, he kept the people happy. He was known for his wild parties as well, which definitely entertained the nobles

Alexander VI was well known for his notorious Vatican orgies. These types of indulgences would eventually lead to his downfall. On 6 Aug., 1503, Alexander dined with his son, Caesar Borgia, Cardinal Adriano da Corneto, and others. The company were outside in the open air after nightfall and all “contracted the pernicious Roman fever” (Catholic Encyclopedia, NewAdvent.com). On 12 Aug., the Pope took to his bed and died on 18 Aug, It was supposed that he accidentally drank a glass of wine traced with poison that was intended for the host. Pope Alexander VI, or Rodrigo Borgia, was 73 years old.

During an invasion of Italy by France in 1495, many barons abandoned Alexander VI. From that point on, Alexander turned his political career around and he started to take over the fortresses of those who had denied him. Machiavelli wouldn’t agree with this decision to keep them alive, he thought to keep one’s power you must, “destroy those who can and may injure [you]” (Machiavelli, p. 58).

Some topics in this essay:
Spanish Inquisition, Alexander VI, Isabella Ferdinand, Queen Scots, University Machiavelli, Elizabeth England, Elizabeth Elizabeth’s, Catholic Church’s, VI Alexander, Henry VIII, alexander vi, rodrigo borgia, henry viii, pope alexander vi, pope alexander, isabella ferdinand, king henry, roman catholic, encyclopedia newadventcom, catholic encyclopedia, catholic encyclopedia newadventcom, “the anatomy revolution”, “the anatomy, alexander vi rodrigo, alexander vi isabella,