{"id":103424,"date":"2026-03-16T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=103424"},"modified":"2026-03-16T11:41:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:41:39","slug":"lucrezia-borgia-illegitimate-daughter-pope-alexander-vi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/lucrezia-borgia-illegitimate-daughter-pope-alexander-vi\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Was Lucrezia Borgia, the Illegitimate Daughter of Pope Alexander VI"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:139.86013986014%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:188.67924528302%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:83.75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:131.72338090011%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:133.33333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p><strong>Lucrezia Borgia remains one of the most misunderstood women of the Renaissance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For centuries, her name has been linked to scandal, poison, and ruthless ambition, creating an image shaped more by rumor than by reliable history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She was born into the powerful Borgia family as the illegitimate daughter of Rodrigo Borgia, who later became Pope Alexander VI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living at the center of Italian politics during a time of constant intrigue, shifting alliances, and violent power struggles, Lucrezia&rsquo;s life was never simple or safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many stories portrayed her as dangerous and manipulative, yet modern research suggests she was often a victim of the ambitions around her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These five facts explore the real Lucrezia Borgia, revealing a figure shaped by power, politics, and the difficult role of a woman born into one of the most controversial families in European history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. She Was Born Into Power but Had Little Control Over Her Life<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103736\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"858\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI.jpg 858w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-215x300.jpg 215w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-733x1024.jpg 733w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-768x1074.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-687x960.jpg 687w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-773x1080.jpg 773w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-170x238.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"858\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20858%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='858'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103736 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI.jpg 858w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-215x300.jpg 215w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-733x1024.jpg 733w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-768x1074.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-687x960.jpg 687w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-773x1080.jpg 773w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pope-alexander-VI-170x238.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lucrezia Borgia was born in 1480 in Subiaco, Italy, during a time when family connections determined a person&rsquo;s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her father, Rodrigo Borgia, rose quickly in influence and later became Pope Alexander VI, placing the family at the center of political power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Lucrezia was born outside marriage, she was openly recognized and given an excellent education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>She learned Latin, Italian, French, music, poetry, and the social skills required at royal courts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite these advantages, her life was shaped entirely by the ambitions of her father and brother, Cesare Borgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From an early age, she was used as a political asset, with her marriages arranged to strengthen alliances and increase Borgia influence across Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personal happiness was never the priority. She moved between courts, faced constant scrutiny, and lived under the pressure of representing her family&rsquo;s interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While later stories portrayed her as powerful and manipulative, the reality was that she had very limited control over her own destiny during her early years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her position brought luxury and education, but it also meant living in a world where her value was measured by political usefulness rather than personal choice or independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Her Marriages Were Strategic Tools in Dangerous Power Games<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103733\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"318\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 318w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-159x300.jpg 159w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-6x12.jpg 6w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-170x321.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"318\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20318%20600'%3E%3Crect%20width='318'%20height='600'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103733 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 318w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-159x300.jpg 159w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-6x12.jpg 6w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-lucrezia-borgia-170x321.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lucrezia was married three times, and each marriage reflected the shifting political landscape of Renaissance Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her first marriage to Giovanni Sforza was arranged to secure an alliance with the powerful Sforza family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the alliance was no longer needed, the marriage was annulled, and Giovanni later spread damaging accusations to protect his own reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her second marriage to Alfonso of Aragon initially strengthened ties with Naples, but when political priorities changed, he became a liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alfonso was attacked and later killed, widely believed to have been ordered by Cesare Borgia. Rumors later suggested Lucrezia was involved, but there is no reliable evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Her third marriage to Alfonso d&rsquo;Este, heir to the Duchy of Ferrara, finally brought stability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even this match was arranged carefully to improve the Borgia family&rsquo;s standing among the powerful Italian states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Through these marriages, Lucrezia experienced betrayal, loss, and constant uncertainty.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than being a mastermind behind political schemes, she was often caught in dangerous power struggles controlled by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her survival through these turbulent years shows resilience and adaptability in a world where alliances changed quickly, and personal safety was never guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Dark Reputation of Poison and Crime Was Likely Propaganda<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103734\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"804\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-768x643.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-14x12.jpg 14w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-170x142.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"804\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20960%20804'%3E%3Crect%20width='960'%20height='804'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103734 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-768x643.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-14x12.jpg 14w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-lucrezia-borgia-170x142.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>One of the most famous legends about Lucrezia claims she carried a hollow ring filled with poison, which she used to eliminate enemies during secret meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This dramatic image became popular in later literature, theater, and art, turning her into a symbol of beauty combined with danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, historians now believe most of these stories were created by political enemies of the Borgia family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Borgias were widely feared and resented, and attacking Lucrezia&rsquo;s reputation was an effective way to damage the family&rsquo;s public image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Renaissance Italy was full of rival families competing for power, and rumor was often used as a political weapon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contemporary records show very little evidence connecting Lucrezia personally to acts of violence or poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, documents describe her acting as a mediator, a hostess for diplomatic events, and a figure involved in administrative responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The image of a deadly seductress was shaped more by later imagination than by historical fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Over time, these dramatic stories overshadowed her real activities and achievements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. She Later Became a Capable and Respected Duchess of Ferrara<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103732\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"911\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 911w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-228x300.jpg 228w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-778x1024.jpg 778w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-768x1011.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-729x960.jpg 729w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-820x1080.jpg 820w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-170x224.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"911\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20911%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='911'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103732 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia.jpg 911w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-228x300.jpg 228w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-778x1024.jpg 778w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-768x1011.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-729x960.jpg 729w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-820x1080.jpg 820w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-lucrezia-borgia-170x224.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lucrezia&rsquo;s life changed significantly after her marriage to Alfonso d&rsquo;Este and her move to Ferrara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Away from the intense control of her father and brother, she was able to develop her own role and reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ferrara, she embraced her responsibilities as duchess and quickly earned respect from the court and the local population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When her husband was away on military or political matters, she served as regent, managing government affairs, overseeing finances, and making important administrative decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contemporary letters and records describe her as calm, intelligent, and politically aware.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She also became an important cultural patron, supporting poets, artists, and scholars who helped make Ferrara a center of Renaissance learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her court was known for elegance, education, and artistic activity. This period of her life shows a strong contrast to the earlier years filled with political manipulation and scandal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than being remembered as a dangerous figure, she was respected for her leadership, charity, and commitment to her duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Her Legacy Shows the Gap Between Myth and Historical Reality<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103735\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB.jpg 900w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-546x728.jpg 546w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-170x227.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20900%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='900'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103735 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB.jpg 900w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-546x728.jpg 546w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/LUCREZIA-TOMB-170x227.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Main_Page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lucrezia Borgia died in 1519 at the age of thirty-nine, after complications from childbirth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of her death, she was respected in Ferrara as a devoted duchess, mother, and patron of culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after the fall of the Borgia family&rsquo;s power, hostile accounts and dramatic stories began to dominate her legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers and artists in later centuries transformed her into a symbol of corruption, seduction, and cruelty, reinforcing the darker myths that had circulated during her lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These stories became popular because they matched the dramatic image people associated with the Renaissance and with the controversial Borgia name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern historical research, based on letters, official records, and contemporary descriptions, presents a more balanced picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lucrezia appears as a woman who survived political manipulation, adapted to difficult circumstances, and eventually built a respected position through intelligence and diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Her life reflects the limited choices available to women in powerful families and the risks of living at the center of political conflict.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lucrezia Borgia remains one of the most misunderstood women of the Renaissance. For centuries, her name has been linked to scandal, poison, and ruthless ambition, &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":103737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["article"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[208,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-spirituality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103424"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105389,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103424\/revisions\/105389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}