The funny thing about this show, is that apart from being historically inaccurate, there is no actual way of it being historically accurate. They only have the outcome of the facts that happened back then, but most of what this family is accused for is rumors and never been proved. Personally I blame the dude who wrote the novel of the Godfather for the reputation of this family, because he based his gangster characters on the Borgias. Thus, taking down the family, and creating a sinister opinion of them without any proof of them being like that. Especially Lucrezia, she is considered to be a poisoner, and her name is even mockingly refered to any woman who used poison as a weapon of choice, but she was never proven to be a poisoner. On the contrary, she was considered to be a very charming woman, who used her charm and her wits to gain wealth, she even had a business mind to accumulate wealth of her own.
In the start of the show, it shows Roderigo buying off the votes for his election, but historically he didn't need to,he was already in the lead to be elected.And the other rivals of the elections had the means to bribe anyone as did Roderigo. What we know about this family, is that they did work for the family's wellbeing and accumulation of wealth and power, but who else wouldn't do so? They did almost what all politicians do right now. Assign their families on high places 😉. They were reported to arrange orgies, and even been seen taking part in some, but hey that was Rome!
There was never a proof for murder, only rumors, never a proof of incest, only rumors, and it is only normal because at that time of history every political act was done in the hush hush. Everywhere, not only the Vatican. So, Cesare and Lucrezia had a very strong bond as siblings, and that is indeed historically correct, but it was never proven that they indeed get down to it. But slander was a strong diplomatic card back then, and of course the rival families used it.
Now this show is very vaguely based on historical facts. It is more a work of fiction based on this family than actual history inspired show. And to be honest that didn't bother me. When making a show historical inaccuracies are to be expected because it is impossible to make one faithful to history without being confusing and boring. Same happened with Tudors, although there they did hang around to finish the story unlike the Borgias... In Tudors they killed off characters to create a more dramatical feeling , they merged historical characters into one to just get the story going and not confuse the viewers. There is a vast difference between a successful entertainment show and a Historical documentary. One makes you empathize with characters and makes you feel surprised even if you know how the story goes, the other is a cold and accurate state of facts for those who just want to educate themselves. But a show needs to be entertaining, so, some plot twists and inaccuracy is expected.
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