The Poisoner's Crown: Lucrezia Borgia and Renaissance Power | Ep.90
Episode description
The Poisoner's Crown: Lucrezia Borgia and Renaissance Power
🏰 History's Most Misunderstood Woman
Was Lucrezia Borgia really Renaissance Italy's master poisoner? For 500 years, she's been called a seductive murderess and symbol of papal corruption. But modern scholarship reveals almost everything we've been told is wrong.
⚔️ Discover the Real Story:
- How a pope's illegitimate daughter became Europe's most valuable marriage prize
- Why the poison allegations appear to be complete fabrications
- Her transformation from papal pawn to respected Duchess of Ferrara
- The sophisticated Renaissance court she created in northern Italy
- How she wielded real political power despite formal limitations
- Why female rulers were viewed with suspicion in Renaissance Italy
Through primary sources and diplomatic correspondence, we separate myth from reality in one of history's most controversial lives. The real Lucrezia was a survivor who transformed herself from notorious scandal to respected ruler.
🎙️ About Saving History: Monte Schumacher explores medieval and Renaissance history monthly. 50,000+ listeners. Living the château dream in France's Loire Valley.
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Episode Duration: 28:36 minutes
Host: Monte Schumacher - Medieval historian & castle restoration expert