Rodrigo Borgia

Lore & Background

Rodrigo Borgia is the leader of the Borgia family and the Templar Order in Italy during the events of *Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood*. The game's main narrative takes place during the Italian Wars (1500–1507) and continues from *Assassin's Creed II*, as Ezio takes the fight against the Templars, led by the powerful Borgia family, to Rome. Rodrigo Borgia is the father of Cesare Borgia, who is also a key antagonist. The Borgia papacy has concentrated all wealth in the Vatican, and their corrupt rule has caused Rome to fall into ruin. Rodrigo Borgia is a historical figure represented in the game, alongside other characters like Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Caterina Sforza.

In Their Own Story

In *Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood*, Rodrigo Borgia is the head of the Borgia family and the Templar Order, ruling Rome from the Vatican. The player, as Ezio Auditore, must liberate Rome from the Borgias' control by destroying Borgia towers and renovating districts. Rodrigo Borgia's son, Cesare, is the primary antagonist driving the conflict, but Rodrigo's influence as Pope and Templar leader underpins the struggle. The game's setting includes locations like the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome, which are under Borgia control. The narrative focuses on Ezio's efforts to rebuild the Assassin Brotherhood and defeat the Borgia family, culminating in the liberation of Rome.

Reader's Guide

Rodrigo Borgia is a key antagonist in *Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood*, serving as the leader of the Templar Order and the Borgia family. He is based in the Vatican district of Rome, which is one of five districts in the game: Vatican (Vaticano), Central (Centro), Trans-Tiber (Trastevere), Country (Campagna), and Antique (Antico). To weaken the Borgias' control, players must destroy twelve Borgia towers around Rome, which frees districts and unlocks new missions. Rodrigo Borgia is a historical figure, and his role in the game is tied to the Templars' desire for peace through control. The game's plot follows Ezio's fight against the Borgias, with Rodrigo as the patriarch of the family. The Da Vinci Disappearance DLC is a story expansion set during the single-player campaign, but it does not specifically involve Rodrigo Borgia.

Did You Know?

• Rodrigo Borgia is a historical figure represented in *Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood*, alongside Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, Caterina Sforza, and Cesare Borgia.
• The Borgia family's corrupt rule has concentrated all wealth in the Vatican, causing Rome to fall into ruin in the game.
• Rodrigo Borgia is the father of Cesare Borgia, who is the primary antagonist in *Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood*.
• The game's main narrative spans the years 1500–1507 during the Italian Wars, with the Borgia family as the Templar leaders in Rome.
• Rodrigo Borgia's role as Pope Alexander VI is tied to the Templars' desire for peace through control, as stated in the game's plot.