Episode 2
Pope Alexander VI begins his reign with caution, impressing the Romans while keeping his mistress and his children in check as best he can. Read by Robert Glenister.
Acclaimed novelist of the Italian Renaissance Sarah Dunant takes on the era's most infamous family - the Borgias.
The story of the Borgia Pope is not long - Roderigo Borgia, Alexander VI, was the Head of the Church for barely a decade - but an enormous amount of activity, social, political and sexual was crammed into that period.
Our abridgement begins in August 1492 when Roderigo Borgia wins his campaign to become Pope, and describes the repercussions for his children, Cesare, Juan, Lucrezia and Jofre. Juan, the only legitimate son, will be allied in marriage to Spain, while Cesare is promised to the church - thus ensuring their legacy within the Vatican. As for Lucrezia, she is part of the price Borgia paid for his Papacy - though only 12, she must wed to shore up an uneasy alliance with the powerful Milanese Sforza family.
Episode 2:
Pope Alexander VI begins his reign with caution, impressing the Romans while keeping his mistress and his children in check - as best he can.
Read by Robert Glenister
Written by Sarah Dunant
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.
Last on
More episodes
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Producer | Clive Brill |
Reader | Robert Glenister |
Abridger | Eileen Horne |
Author | Sarah Dunant |
Broadcasts
- Tue 28 May 2013 22:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Tue 8 Aug 2017 14:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 9 Aug 2017 02:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
Short stories to keep
The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers