Borgia Family

A dynastic house of power that served the Templar cause during Italy's Renaissance.

The Borgia family is a prominent Italian noble house that became the primary face of the Templar Order during the late Renaissance era. In the fictional history of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, they are depicted as ruthless power brokers seeking to control humanity through peace through control. Led by Rodrigo and his son Cesare, they dominated Rome and much of Italy for years, serving as the main antagonists in Ezio Auditore's early career. Their ambition brought them into direct conflict with the Assassin Brotherhood, culminating in a struggle for control over Rome and the city's liberation from their influence.

Quick Facts

Affiliation

Templar Order

Key members

Rodrigo
Cesare
Lucrezia Borgia

Primary base

Rome, Italy

Debut game

Assassin's Creed II

Lore & Background

Rodrigo Borgia leveraged his influence within the Catholic Church to ascend as Pope Alexander VI, using the Vatican to mask Templar operations. He believed that a unified Italy under Templar rule would pave the way for global domination. His son Cesare acted as the military arm of this vision, conquering territories with an iron fist and utilizing Papal Guards and mercenaries to enforce loyalty among the populace. The family's pursuit focused heavily on controlling Rome, where they concentrated all wealth in the Vatican.

Their grip on power was maintained through fear, public executions, and political marriages designed to secure alliances across the peninsula. Ultimately, their downfall began when Ezio Auditore targeted their key strongholds one by one, destroying the twelve Borgia towers around Rome where Papal troops were stationed. As their resources dwindled and their secrets were exposed, internal fractures appeared. Rodrigo died before seeing his empire realized.

Cesare met his end falling from the walls of Viana in northern Spain after being decisively defeated in combat by Ezio, marking the definitive end of Borgia dominance in Italy.

Reader's Guide

The Borgia family stands as one of the most formidable adversaries in the history of the Assassin Brotherhood, operating primarily during the Italian Wars spanning the years 1500–1507. Led by Rodrigo Borgia, who ascended to the papacy as Alexander VI, they utilized political influence and military might to further Templar ambitions across Europe. Their primary objective was the control of Rome, which they had concentrated all wealth in the Vatican.

Cesare Borgia served as the family's enforcer and strategist, commanding Papal troops stationed at twelve Borgia towers around Rome to secure territories and eliminate rivals. While Rodrigo manipulated the Vatican from within, Cesare sought to unify Italy under his banner through force and intimidation. Their rise was marked by corruption, assassination, and public spectacle, making them hated by many citizens despite their power. However, the Auditore clan, led by Ezio, systematically dismantled their network of fortresses and agents throughout Italy.

By the time of their defeat, the Borgias represented the ultimate expression of Templar tyranny in the region, serving as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition.