The Borgias

Rodrigo successfully bribes and intimidates his way into the Papacy.

The new Pope elevates his children to high office, installing Juan as head of the papal armies, Cesare as a cardinal and Lucrezia as a potential wife for a political ally.

His coffers depleted by his expensive rise to power, the new Pope seeks a profitable marriage for Lucrezia while the Borgias host a charming Turkish prince.

Lucrezia's wedding to a Milanese nobleman is a disaster thanks to her family's tawdry public displays; Della Rovere seeks the aid of the Medicis and Machiavelli.

The abused Lucrezia has an affair with a handsome stable boy; Cesare strikes a bargain with Machiavelli to thwart Della Rovere's invasion scheme, and ensures the baroness Ursual becomes a widow.

Della Rovere strikes a bargain with King Charles of France to invade Italy and install him as Pope; Rodrigo attempts to thwart the invasion through a marriage alliance with Naples.

Victory seems inevitable for the French as King Charles and Della Rovere sack the city of Lucca and the other Italian powers flee to their banner.

The Pope awaits his fate as the pregnant Lucrezia is captured by the French but charms King Charles and is allowed to persuade her brother to withdraw his hopelessly outmatched troops.

Alexander craftily feigns humility and preserves his power, even eliciting a confession from the French monarch; Lucrezia gives birth to a son as the Borgias plot revenge on their foes.