One of history's most shocking and scandalous stories is brought to life in this opulent period drama based on Italy's notorious Borgia dynasty. Rodrigo Borgia bullies and bribes his way into an election as the new Pope Alexander VI then wastes no time consolidating power by elevating his sons into high office and his daughter into a politically motivated marriage.

Cesare enlists Micheletto to spy on Cardinal della Rovere, who looks to find a legal way to get rid of Rodrigo as pope.

The Borgias take in the brother of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, but their hospitality soon gives way to betrayal.

Lucrezia's wedding is a disaster; the Borgia children's mother arrives; Della Rovere seeks the aid of the Medici family.

Lucrezia has an affair with a stable boy; Cesare strikes a bargain with Machiavelli and takes action to rid Ursula of her husband.

Della Rovere strikes a bargain with King Charles of France; Rodrigo attempts to thwart an invasion.