# Pope Alexander VI — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Pope Alexander VI in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Alexander, VI

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Borgia pope whose corrupt and ambitious rule is discussed.

## Relationships

### [Appius Claudius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/appius_claudius)

_rivalry_

Appius Claudius, a symbol of Roman patrician tyranny, is contrasted with Pope Alexander VI as a corrupt and ambitious ruler, both exemplifying destructive leadership.

### [Marcus Menenius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/marcus_menenius)

_rivalry_

Marcus Menenius, a Roman consul known for reconciling plebeians, is contrasted with Pope Alexander VI as a figure of corruption and division.

### [Caesar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/caesar)

_psychological_

Machiavelli uses Caesar as a model of ambition and Pope Alexander VI as a master of deceit, linking them as exemplars of ruthless power acquisition.

### [Pope Julius II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/pope_julius_ii)

_rivalry_

Pope Alexander VI (Borgia) and Pope Julius II (della Rovere) were bitter rivals, with Julius succeeding Alexander and reversing his policies.

### [King Ferrando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/king_ferrando)

_rivalry_

King Ferrando of Naples opposed Pope Alexander VI's territorial ambitions, leading to political and military conflict in Italy.

### [Tarquin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/tarquin)

_psychological_

Machiavelli compares Pope Alexander VI's deceit and cruelty to that of Tarquin the Proud, the last Roman king, as archetypes of tyranny.

## In the story

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxix)

Mentioned as the pope who drove out the corrupt lords of Romagna.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/pope_alexander_vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters