Alexander VI

He was Georges d'Amboise, created a cardinal by Alexander VI. Born 1460, died 1510.

It was the plan of Alexander VI. and Clement VII., but it will never succeed now, for they attempted it fruitlessly, and Napoleon was unable to complete his work.

When the Duke de Valentinois, son of Alexander VI, visited Louis XII of France, his horse was loaded with gold leaves, according to Brantome, and his cap had double rows of rubies that threw out a great light.

They did, and he was installed as Alexander VI. Historians note that his consuming passions as pope included gold, woman and advancing the interests of his family.

Gregory and Alexander also have unfortunate associations: Gregory VII, elected in 1073, was accused of necromancy and using a bed of nails to torture those who crossed him - while Alexander VI, a member of the wealthy Borgia family, was renowned for throwing wild orgies inside the papal palace.

The drama, set in the 15th century, follows the corrupt Borgia family, including father Roderigo, who become Pope Alexander VI and ran the Vatican as a crime syndicate.

Since Cardinal Soderini had collaborated closely with Machiavelli on their joint diplomatic missions to the courts of Cesare Borgia and Pope Alexander VI in 1502-03, it is reasonable to assume that already by March 1506 he had acquired a good understanding of the Secretary's views on military affairs, and that even prior to that date the two men had discussed the importance of military discipline and the special qualities required of a military commander charged with the monumental task of creating disciplined soldiers out of crude and inexperienced conscripts.

Alexander VI (1492-1503), of the infamous Borgia family, once served his guests roast pheasants in human skulls, to remind them of the human condition.

He did not hesitate to attack corruption elsewhere too, including in the court of Pope Alexander VI in Rome.

The non-halo is customarily awarded to Alexander VI (1492-1503).

The former Addams Family favourite will play the poisonous Lucretia Borgia, the infamous 16th century illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI.

The conclave that elected Eugenius IV in 1431 consisted of six Italians and six ultramontane cardinals; participating in the election of Alexander VI in 1492 were twenty-three cardinals, all but one Italian.