Borghese family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borghese |
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| Italian noble family | |
Arms of the Borghese family
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| Country |  Republic of Siena Grand Duchy of Tuscany Papal States Kingdom of Naples Kingdom of Italy |
| Current region |  Italy |
| Founded | 1238 |
| Founder | Tiezzo da Monticiano |
| Current head | H.E. Don Scipione II, Prince Borghese, 14th Prince of Sulmona, 15th Prince of Rossano (b. 1970) |
| Titles |
Numerous titles
Hereditary noble titles:
Ecclesiastic titles:
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| Motto | In Utroque Vigil |
The House of Borghese is a very old and important noble family from Italy. They became famous in the 1200s in a city called Siena. Over time, they gained a lot of power and wealth, especially after one of their family members became Pope Paul V in 1605.
The Borghese family has always had strong connections to the Vatican. They were one of the main families among the "Black Nobility," which means they were important noble families who stayed loyal to the Pope.
Contents
The Borghese Family in Siena
The Borghese family started with a wool merchant named Tiezzo da Monticiano in the 1200s. His nephew, Borghese, gave the family its famous name.
Some important Borghese family members from Siena include:
- Agostino (1390–1462): He was a well-known soldier. He fought in wars between Siena and Florence. He was also given special titles by the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor.
- Niccolò (1432–1500): He was a smart writer and thinker. He played a big role in the government of Siena.
- Pietro (1469–1527): He was a senator in Rome. Sadly, he was killed during a major attack on Rome in 1527.
- Marcantonio (1504–1574): He was a politician and a lawyer. He worked for the Pope.
The Borghese Family Moves to Rome
In 1541, Marcantonio, who was the head of the family, moved to Rome. This was a big step for the family. They quickly became part of Rome's most important families.
Their power grew even more when Marcantonio's son, Camillo Borghese, became Pope Paul V in 1605. Pope Paul V helped his family a lot. He gave his brothers and his adopted nephew, Scipione Caffarelli, important jobs and titles.
Because of the Pope's help, the Borghese family became very rich. They owned a lot of land around Rome. They also made money by controlling things like grain mills and inns. This helped them become one of the wealthiest families in the area.
Pope Paul V often added "ROMANUS" (meaning "Roman") after his name on official writings. This showed that his family now had a strong connection to Rome.
Scipione Borghese: A Lover of Art
Scipione Borghese (1577–1633) was Pope Paul V's adopted nephew. He became a Cardinal and was a huge supporter of the arts. He collected many beautiful artworks. The family's art collection grew a lot because of him.
Today, this amazing collection is in the Galleria Borghese. This art museum is located in what used to be the family's home, Villa Borghese, in Rome.
Important Marriages and Titles
Marcantonio II (1598–1658), who was Pope Paul V's grand-nephew, became the Prince of Sulmona in 1610. This was also thanks to the Pope's influence.
In 1619, Marcantonio II married Camilla Orsini. This marriage meant the Borghese family could also inherit titles and wealth from the Orsini family.
His son, Paolo (1624–1646), married Olimpia Aldobrandini. This marriage helped the Borghese family claim the legacy of the Aldobrandini family too. It took many years of court battles, but they finally gained these rights in 1769.
Paolo and Olimpia's grandson, Marcantonio III (1660–1729), became the Prince of Rossano. He also served as a viceroy (a ruler acting for a king) in Naples.
Borghese Family in Later Years
Marcantonio IV (1730–1800) was a senator in the Roman Republic. His son, Camillo Filippo Ludovico (1775–1832), joined Napoleon's army and became a general.
In 1803, Camillo married Napoleon's sister, Pauline Bonaparte. Camillo was given the title Duke of Guastalla in 1806. He also governed Piedmont from 1807 to 1814. Camillo sold many ancient artworks from the Borghese collection. These pieces are now in the Musée du Louvre in Paris. After Napoleon's power ended, Camillo retired to Florence.
Marcantonio IV's second son, Prince Francesco Borghese-Aldobrandini (1776–1839), was also a general in Napoleon's army. He inherited all of Camillo's property.
Modern Borghese Members
- Scipione Borghese (1871–1927): He was a businessman and a sportsman. He is famous for taking part in the 1907 Peking to Paris car race.
- Junio Valerio Borghese (1906–1974): He was a Navy officer during World War II. He was known for his brave actions. After the war, he became a right-wing politician. He was accused of planning a takeover in 1970 and fled to Spain.
- Lorenzo Borghese (b. 1972): He is a modern-day businessman and a TV personality.
Branches of the Borghese Family
Today, the Borghese family has four main branches:
- Borghese: These are the Princes of Sulmona and Rossano.
- Borghese-Aldobrandini: These are the Princes of Meldola.
- Borghese-Salviati: These are the Dukes of Giuliano.
- Borghese-Torlonia: These are the Princes of Fucino.
Notable Members of the Family
- Scipione Borghese (1577–1633): A cardinal and a great supporter of art.
- Pope Paul V (1605–1621): Born Camillo Borghese, he became Pope.
- Paolo Borghese (1622–1646): He married Olimpia Aldobrandini.
- Francesco Scipione Maria Borghese (1697–1759): A cardinal.
- Marcantonio Borghese (1730–1800): He rebuilt the famous Villa Borghese and its gardens.
- Camillo Filippo Ludovico Borghese (1775–1832): He was the second husband of Pauline Bonaparte.
- Pauline Borghese, born Bonaparte (1780–1825): She was Napoleon's sister and Camillo Borghese's wife.
- Scipione Borghese (1871–1927): A politician and explorer.
- Giangiacomo Borghese (1889–1954): He was the governor of Rome during a difficult time (1939–1944).
- Paolo Borghese (1904–1985): Duke of Bomarzo.
- Junio Valerio Borghese (1906–1974): An Italian naval commander and politician.
- Marcella Borghese, born Fazi (1911–2002): She was a successful businesswoman in cosmetics.
- Lorenzo Borghese (b. 1972): An entrepreneur and TV personality.
See also
In Spanish: Familia Borghese para niños
