Giovanni Borgia (1474)

Giovanni Borgia, 2nd Duke of Gandia (1474 - June 14, 1497) was the brother of the famous Cesare Borgia. According to several sources and opinions, Giovanni might have been only the second of the Pope's four children born in 1475 or 1476, and Cesare was the first-born from the relationship with Vanozza in 1474 or 1475. These doubts arise from contradictory Papal Bulls and letters about Cesare's birth.

Giovanni de Candia Borgia was born in Rome to Pope Alexander VI and Vannozza dei Cattanei. He married Maria Enriquez de Luna, the Spanish betrothed of his deceased older half-brother, Pedro Luis, in September of 1493. He was made 2nd Duke of Gandia, Duke of Sessa, Grand Constable of Naples, the Papal Gonfalonier and General Captain, and Governor of St.Peters.

He was murdered the night of June 14, 1497 near what would later become the Piazza della Giudecca (in the Ghetto of Rome). It has been speculated that his own brother Cesare Borgia had him murdered. His richly attired body was recovered from the Tiber River with 30 golden ducats untouched in the purse at his belt. To the immense grief of the Pope, this act occasioned the heartless epigram by Sannazzaro on the Pope as "fisher of men". Borgia's only attendant was slain, so there were no witnesses (Sabatini, II.4).

Although not proven, there is the possibility that the Duke of Gandia died at the hands of one Antonio Pico della Mirandola whose "house was near the Tiber" and "who also had a young daughter" - which could explain Giovanni's remark that he was going to '"amuse himself" on his mysterious ride (Ibidem)

Giovanni and Maria had two children: Juan Borja y Enriquez (also known as Juan Borgia), who became the 3rd Duke of Gandia, and Francisca de Jesus Borja, who became a nun at a convent in Valladolid. This Juan was the father of Saint Francis Borgia.

External links

* [http://www.public-domain-content.com/books/Life_of_Cesare_Borgia/C9P1.shtml The Murder of The Duke of Gandia]