Rodrigo Borgia

The corrupt Pope who leads the Templars in Rome.

Rodrigo Borgia is a central figure in the Assassin's Creed series, appearing as a high-ranking member of the Templar Order and the leader of the Borgia family. In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, he is depicted as the corrupt Pope who, alongside his son Cesare Borgia, controls Rome through the Templars. His role is tied to the struggle between the Assassins and Templars, as he seeks to impose order through control. The game's plot follows Ezio Auditore da Firenze as he fights against the Borgia family to liberate Rome and rebuild the Assassin Brotherhood.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: Templar Order, Borgia Family
Notable title: Pope Alexander VI
Key artifact sought: Apple of Eden

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.

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.