Alexander VI was born on 1 January 1431 in Xàtiva. Born Rodrigo de Borja in Spain, he belonged to the Borgia family, which rose to prominence in Italy through his uncle, Pope Callixtus III. He made his career as a papal administrator and vice-chancellor of the Church, and was elected pope in 1492, the year Columbus reached the Americas. His pontificate is known for nepotism, political intrigue and the ambitions of his children, including Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia. He issued bulls dividing newly found lands between Spain and Portugal, and was a patron of artists such as Pinturicchio. Rumors about his scandalous private life and his death, probably from malaria, have shaped his dark reputation.
Before and after
- from June 1422 to March 1430Siege of Thessalonica
- from 1423 to 1454Wars in Lombardy
- from 1427 to 1864Circassia
- 8 May 1429Joan of Arc relieves Orleans
- 1 January 1431Birth of Alexander VI
- 1431Construction of Šibenik Cathedral
- 1431Construction of Bratislava Castle
- 30 May 1431Death of Joan of Arc
- 1432Ghent Altarpiece
More in Art, literature & culture
- c. 500sRise of medieval music
- from 8th century to 9th centuryRise of Carolingian Renaissance
- c. 1010sMurasaki Shikibu writes The Tale of Genji
- from 1140 to 1530Gothic art
- 1400Rise of Renaissance music
- c. 1490sThe Last Supper
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 15th century.