1492: The Pope dies. Rodrigo Borgia in spite of his age and his many illegitimate children sees a last chance for election to the Papal throne. He sets about achieving it by a mixture of bribery, blackmail and political cunning.

Having scored a diplomatic victory over the French, the Pope now turns his attention to crushing the treacherous Orsini family. Cesare's jealousy is further inflamed by the appointment of his brother, Juan, as Commander of the Papal Army.