Online history course

The History of the Borgias : MC09

With historian Samantha Morris

9-lesson course 1 hour 40 minutes Audio / Video / Text

About this course

Discover the extraordinary rise and fall of the Borgias, from Renaissance popes and powerful princes to the scandals, murders and myths that shaped their reputation.

Murder, poison, corruption and scandal — few families in history have acquired a reputation as notorious as the Borgias. But how much of what we think we know about this powerful Renaissance dynasty is actually true?

Join historian Samantha Morris as she explores the extraordinary rise of the Borgia family, from their origins in Spain to the corridors of power in Renaissance Italy. Meet Pope Alexander VI, his ambitious son Cesare Borgia and his daughter Lucrezia, whose name has become synonymous with intrigue and scandal.

Discover the political rivalries, family ambitions and ruthless struggles for power that shaped their world, and examine the evidence behind the sensational stories. Were the Borgias truly the villains of history, or have centuries of rumour and propaganda distorted their legacy?

9 focused lessons

Course content

  1. 01

    Lesson 1 - Introduction and Italy during the Renaissance

    Explore the political landscape of Renaissance Italy, its competing states and the powerful rulers who shaped the world into which the Borgias emerged.

  2. 02

    Lesson 2 - The Rise of the Borgias

    Discover the family's origins in Spain and follow Alfonso de Borja's remarkable rise through the Church to become Pope Calixtus III.

  3. 03

    Lesson 3 - Rodrigo Borgia as Cardinal

    Examine Rodrigo Borgia's influential position as papal vice-chancellor, his involvement in papal elections and the early lives of his famous children.

  4. 04

    Lesson 4 - Cesare in the Church

    Discover Cesare Borgia's early career in the Roman Catholic Church and why this was not the future he wanted for himself.

  5. 05

    Lesson 5 - Cesare the Soldier

    Follow Cesare's departure from the College of Cardinals, his marriage and his ambitious military campaigns to conquer the Papal States.

  6. 06

    Lesson 6 - Cesare's Downfall

    Trace Cesare Borgia's rapid decline following his father's death and the events leading to his final years and death in Navarre.

  7. 07

    Lesson 7 - Lucrezia as Duchess of Ferrara

    Explore Lucrezia Borgia's life at the Este court following her marriage to Alfonso d'Este and discover her role as Duchess of Ferrara.

  8. 08

    Lesson 8 - The Borgia Murders

    Investigate three notorious murders associated with Cesare Borgia and weigh the historical evidence to consider whether he was responsible.

  9. 09

    Lesson 9 - The Borgia Legacy

    Examine the rumours of incest, murder and devil worship surrounding the Borgias, and discover how their reputation has influenced modern portrayals.

Everything you need

What is included

  • 100minutes of course material (1 hour 40 minutes)
  • 9lessons
  • Streaming audio
  • Downloadable audio
  • Downloadable transcripts
  • Optional quizzes
  • Further reading
  • End-of-course certificate

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Enrol in this course

Course price$20 USD

Approximately £14.90 GBP / €17.90 EUR / A$29 AUD. Converted prices are estimates; payment is charged in USD.

  • Lifetime course access
  • Study at your own pace
  • Start whenever you are ready
  • Available internationally

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Samantha Morris

Meet your historian

Samantha Morris

Samantha Morris is a historian and author specialising in the Italian Renaissance, particularly the Borgia and Medici families.

She studied archaeology at the University of Winchester, where her interest in Renaissance Italy began. Since graduating, she has developed a particular fascination with the Borgia family, researching their lives and challenging the myths and rumours that have surrounded them for centuries.

Samantha is the author of Cesare Borgia in a Nutshell, which examines the life of one of the Renaissance's most controversial figures, and Girolamo Savonarola, an introduction to the Florentine preacher whose career became closely intertwined with the fortunes of the Medici dynasty.

Her research explores the political intrigue, family rivalries, religious conflicts and extraordinary personalities of Renaissance Italy, bringing this fascinating period of history to life.

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Learner perspectives

Course reviews

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Charlotte

I absolutely loved it!!! Honestly it was so informative and I loved reading about the Borgias. They're a family that have always fascinated me. So! :). Another amazing course, I can't wait to do more :).

Charlotte June 30, 2017

Before you begin

Frequently asked questions

Is there a guarantee?

Yes. Please see our Guarantees page for full details.

Do I need to complete the quizzes?

No. The quizzes are optional, but they're a useful and enjoyable way to test your knowledge and reinforce what you've learned.

How long does the course take?

The course contains 1 hour and 40 minutes of video lectures. You can watch the videos online or download the audio MP3 versions to listen at your convenience. You have lifetime access, so there's no need to complete everything in one sitting.

Do I need to buy any books or extra materials?

No. The video lectures, downloadable audio and PDF transcripts provide everything you need. A further reading list is included if you'd like to explore the subject in greater depth.

When does the course start?

You can start at any time after enrolling. The course is entirely online, with no fixed start date or deadlines.