Rodrigo Borgia was a very clever man. He was also lucky. His uncle was the Pope (1431- 1503) and made sure that Rodrigo rose quickly in the Roman Catholic Church. He became a cardinal, and grew rich and powerful. But he did not live a holy life for, although he was fat, bald and rather ugly, he had many mistresses and several illegitimate children.
In 1942, Rodrigo was elected as Pope (he pain rewards to those who voted for him), and took the name Alexander VI (after Alexander the Great). He had reached the top, but his first concern was to make sure that his children also became wealthy and gained power.
His favourite son was Cesare, a subtle and clever soldier. Alexander appointed him as archbishop, then as cardinal and finally as a duke. When Alexander died suddenly, Cesare was imprisoned.
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