Synopsis - Draft

Extension History – Synopsis

For my essay my main question is to evaluate the Papacy of Rodrigo Borgia.
This encompasses illustrating his life and his actions. It also involves determining and addressing the question whether his corrupt, vindictive image or a justified, decent Pope describes his true standing.

This question will help identify Rodrigo’s actual character. A further question needs to be addressed as to what basis or level we evaluate Rodrigo’s Papacy, in what context and how we actually evaluate his Papacy. This includes how we judge him (as a Pope, Renaissance Ruler or man) and in what sense we evaluate (morally)
To do this a variety of sources are used, that depict both his life as a narrative (‘The Borgias’ by Marion Johnson, ‘The Borgia’s’ TV series’) and the opposing views and claims concerning his reputation and status (‘March of Folly’ by Barbara Tuchman and ‘The Borgias The rise and fall of the most infamous family in history’ by Michael Mallett).
Christopher’s Hibbert’s ‘The Borgia’s and Their Enemies’ draws a line in the middle and gives a complete objective account and overview.

 All these sources will be used to build up the background information on his life, then his actions, claims made against him and finally what leads more towards the truth; his corrupt image or a justified, ethical Pope who did well for society.

These specific areas provide a focus and guide on how to evaluate Rodrigo’s Borgia’s Papacy.