Borgia Family
A dynastic house of power that served the Templar cause during Italy's Renaissance.
The Borgia family is a prominent Italian noble house that became the primary face of the Templar Order during the late Renaissance era. While historically known for their political maneuvering, within this universe they are depicted as ruthless power brokers seeking to control humanity through Pieces of Eden.
Led by Rodrigo and his son Cesare, they dominated Rome and much of Italy for years, serving as the main antagonists in Ezio Auditore's early career. Their ambition brought them into direct conflict with the Assassin Brotherhood, culminating in a struggle for control over ancient artifacts hidden beneath the Eternal City.
- Affiliation
- Templar Order
- Key Members
- Rodrigo, Cesare, Lucrezia Borgia
- Era
- Italian Renaissance
- Status
- Defeated / Dissolved
- Primary Base
- Rome, Italy
- Debut Game
- Assassin's Creed II
Lore & Background
Rodrigo Borgia leveraged his influence within the Catholic Church to ascend as Pope Alexander VI, using the Vatican to mask Templar operations. He believed that a unified Italy under Templar rule would pave the way for global domination. His son Cesare acted as the military arm of this vision, conquering territories with an iron fist and utilizing the Swiss Guard to enforce loyalty among the populace.
The family's pursuit focused heavily on locating Apple of Eden fragments hidden in Rome. They constructed massive fortifications and employed spies to track down these artifacts before the Assassins could intervene. Their grip on power was maintained through fear, public executions, and political marriages designed to secure alliances with other noble houses across the peninsula.
Ultimately, their downfall began when Ezio Auditore targeted their key strongholds one by one. As their resources dwindled and their secrets were exposed, internal fractures appeared. Rodrigo died before seeing his empire realized, while Cesare was captured and stripped of his power, marking the end of Borgia dominance in Italy.
In Their Own Story
The torchlight flickered against the stone walls of Castel Sant'Angelo, casting long shadows that seemed to reach for Cesare Borgia. He stood alone at the edge of the rampart, the cold wind whipping his cloak as he gazed out over a Rome that had once been his to command. The Apple was gone, taken by the Assassin who haunted his dreams. Below, the city slept unaware of how close it had come to eternal subjugation. He clenched his gauntleted fist, feeling the weight of failure settle in his chest heavier than any armor.
Reader's Guide
The Borgia family stands as one of the most formidable adversaries in the history of the Assassin Brotherhood, operating primarily during the Italian Renaissance. Led by Rodrigo Borgia, who ascended to the papacy as Alexander VI, they utilized political influence and military might to further Templar ambitions across Europe. Their primary objective was the acquisition of Pieces of Eden, specifically an Apple hidden beneath Rome, which they believed would grant them absolute control over humanity's free will.
Cesare Borgia served as the family's enforcer and strategist, commanding a private army known as the Swiss Guard to secure territories and eliminate rivals. While Rodrigo manipulated the Vatican from within, Cesare sought to unify Italy under his banner through force and intimidation. Lucrezia, often used as a political pawn, eventually found her own agency amidst the chaos of her family's downfall.
Their rise was marked by corruption, assassination, and public spectacle, making them hated by many citizens despite their power. However, the Auditore clan, led by Ezio, systematically dismantled their network of fortresses and agents throughout Italy. By the time of their defeat, the Borgias represented the ultimate expression of Templar tyranny in the region, serving as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition.
Did You Know?
- Rodrigo Borgia became Pope Alexander VI to advance Templar goals from within the Church.
- Cesare temporarily held an Apple of Eden before Ezio recovered it during their final confrontation.
- Lucrezia Borgia survived the family's fall and lived out her days in Ferrara away from politics.
- They controlled multiple fortresses across Italy that served as Templar strongholds for years.