Biography of Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian Historian, Politician, Diplomat, Philosopher, Humanist, and Writer Based in Florence during the Renaissance
Cesare Borgia (1475-1507) was an Italian nobleman and a prominent figure in the political and military world during the Renaissance His influence was so great that his father, Pope Alexander VI, appointed him as the first Duke of Romagna. He was a famed soldier, diplomat, and statesman and his life and career were full of controversy.
Cesare Borgia was born in Rome to Rodrigo Borgia, who later became Pope Alexander VI, and Vannozza de Cattanei. He received a good education, which included being tutored by one of the best lawyers of the period, Bartolomeo D’Alviano. His father saw Cesare’s potential as a leader and diplomat and groomed him for this role from a young age, thus giving him a strong political foundation. By the time he was 22, he had already become head of numerous forces and districts in Italy.
One of Cesare’s best known achievements was his role in the French campaign in Italy. Under his father’s instruction, Cesare commanded a French-led force of Spanish and Italian troops, which successfully wrested the Duchy of Romagna from the grasp of the local lords. He then used the loyalty and trust of the local population to form a coalition against the Republic of Venice. This coalition was successful in forcing Venice to accept a treaty in which the republic lost its control of the Romagna and was obliged to pay an indemnity.
Another achievement of Cesare Borgia’s was his successful campaign to reclaim the Papal States. Under his father’s orders, Cesare commanded a large army of Spanish and Italian troops that reconquered the region. In 1499, he was able to capture the city of Urbino and earned the title of Duke of Urbino, becoming the first duke of Romagna. Cesare’s rule of the Papal States was characterized by military strength, clever diplomacy, and the reorganization of political and governmental structures.
A third accomplishment of Cesare Borgia was his founding of the University of Pisa. His father had always encouraged Cesare to pursue loftier goals than just military and political power. He did so in 1496 when he established the University of Pisa as a center for education and collaboration between different countries.
Cesare Borgia’s fourth achievement was in the field of art. He was an avid art collector and supported the careers of many of the great Italian Renaissance painters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. His collection included many works of art from the courts of Italy, France, and Spain.
Last, but not least, Cesare was a noted patron of music and gifted many musicians with patronage. He also cultivated relationships with renowned composers of the time such as Josquin des Prez, who wrote music to honor him.
Overall, Cesare Borgia was a highly influential figure in the politics, military, and art of the Renaissance period. His accomplishments ranged from the reconquest of territories to the promotion of music and art. Cesare Borgia’s legacy lives on in the modern world, as his life and accomplishments continue to be studied and debated.