Gioffre Borgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gioffre Borgia
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| Prince of Squillace | |
A portrait of a young man, believed to be Jofré Borgia.
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| Born | 1481 or 1482 Rome |
| Died | 1516 or 1517 (34 – 35) Squillace |
| Noble family | House of Borgia |
| Spouse(s) | Sancha of Aragon Maria Mila di Aragona y de Villahermosa |
| Issue | Geronimo Borgia ill. Second marriage Francesco Borgia de Mila Lucrezia Borgia de Mila Antonia Borgia de Mila Maria Borgia de Mila |
| Father | Pope Alexander VI |
| Mother | Vannozza dei Cattanei |
Gioffre Borgia (born 1481 or 1482, died 1516 or 1517) was a member of the famous House of Borgia. He was the youngest son of Pope Alexander VI and Vannozza dei Cattanei. Gioffre was also the younger brother of Cesare, Giovanni, and Lucrezia Borgia. He is sometimes known by his Italian name, Goffredo, or his Valencian name, Jofré Borja.
Contents
Early Life and Marriage
Gioffre Borgia's life began in Rome. As a young man, he was part of a powerful and influential family in Italy. His father, Pope Alexander VI, was a very important figure in the Catholic Church and in European politics.
A Political Marriage
When Gioffre was about 12 years old, he married Sancha of Aragon. Sancha was the daughter of Alfonso II of Naples, a king from a powerful family. At the time of their wedding, Sancha was around 16 years old.
This marriage was not just about love; it was a political move. Pope Alexander VI wanted to strengthen his family's position and influence. By marrying his son to Sancha, the Pope recognized Alfonso's claim to the throne of Naples. As part of the marriage agreement, Gioffre received a large dowry. This included the Principality of Squillace in 1494 and later the Duchy of Alvito in 1497.
Life in Rome
Soon after Gioffre and Sancha were married, the political situation in Italy changed. King Charles VIII of France invaded Italy, claiming Naples as his own. This led to a long period of conflict between Spain, France, and their allies in Italy.
During these troubled times, Gioffre and Sancha mostly lived in Rome. Gioffre's relationship with his father, Pope Alexander VI, was not always easy. The Pope sometimes felt that Gioffre lacked interest in politics.
Later Years and Family
Gioffre Borgia became involved in the conflicts of his time. During the War of 1499–1504, when Louis XII of France tried to conquer Naples, Gioffre initially supported the French side. However, after he was captured by Prospero Colonna, he changed his allegiance and joined the Spanish forces. This change caused some unrest in his lands, particularly in Alvito.
Managing His Lands
In 1504, Gioffre sent a military leader named Fabrizio Colonna to help stabilize his territories. Gioffre used money from the papal treasury to pay for this, which he had access to after his father's death the year before. Once the unrest was settled, Gioffre finally moved to live on his estates in Alvito and Squillace.
New Beginnings
A couple of years later, Sancha died. They did not have any children together. Because of this, the Spanish King of Naples, Ferdinand II of Aragon, took control of Gioffre's estates in Alvito. However, Gioffre was able to keep Squillace, which is located on the Calabrian coast. He ruled Squillace as a feudal vassal, meaning he held the land under the authority of the King of Naples.
Gioffre later married again to one of his cousins, Maria de Mila of Aragon. With Maria, he had a son named Francesco, and three daughters: Lucrezia, Antonia, and Maria Borgia. Francesco inherited his father's lands and the title of Prince of Squillace. Gioffre's family continued to rule the city of Squillace for many years, until 1735. They often managed the city through governors, as they usually lived in Naples or at the Spanish court.
See also
In Spanish: Jofré Borgia para niños
