40 Facts About the Borgias, One of History’s More Scandalous Dynasties

40 Facts About the Borgias, One of History’s More Scandalous Dynasties

Tim Flight - October 27, 2019

40 Facts About the Borgias, One of History’s More Scandalous Dynasties
The Borgia Apartments in the Apostolic Palace, which took their current form under Alexander VI’s direction in the late 15th century. TrekkMarket

30. Alexander is said to have hosted prostitutes at the Apostolic Palace

Alexander VI also refused to give up his love of women. During his reign, prostitutes roamed the Vatican, and he even hosted them at the Apostolic Palace. In 1501, the Banquet of the Chestnuts saw ‘fifty honest prostitutes’ crawl naked on all fours to pick up chestnuts. An all-night orgy followed, attended by Alexander. The account only exists in the diary of Johann Burchard, the papal master of ceremonies, and is disputed. Prostitutes however had been welcome at the Vatican long before Alexander, and in this era popes were frequently sexual deviants.

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