- For his older cousin, see Juan Borgia the Elder.
Juan Borgia the Younger, who was also known as Giovanni Borgia, (1474 - 14 June 1497) was the second Duke of Gandia, and the first son of Rodrigo Borgia - the Grand Master of the Templar Order - and his long-term mistress Vanozza dei Cattanei. He was also the older brother of Cesare, Lucrezia and Jofré.
Biography
Since Juan was his favorite son, Rodrigo made Juan the Captain General of the Papal Army soon after he became Pope in 1492. At around this time, Juan's younger brother, Cesare, became a Cardinal.
In 1496, Juan fought Bartolomeo d'Alviano at the Siege of Bracciano, wherein Bartolomeo sent a donkey out of the city, with a sign around its neck reading "Let me go for I am an ambassador to the Duke of Gandia." Bartolomeo had also tied a letter for Juan to the donkey's tail, which contained further insults.
By 1497, Cesare had realized his life as a cardinal would lead nowhere, and that if he wanted to gain power, he would need to get rid of his brother. Upon enticing Juan into a night spent in the company of courtesans, he introduced him to Fiora Cavazza, a close ally of his. That night of June 14, Cesare watched as Fiora engaged Juan in a moment of passion, before she slit his throat with a dagger. Juan's body was later thrown into the Tiber River.
Subsequent to the discovery of Juan's death, Cesare became Captain General in his stead, and was never identified as his brother's killer.
Trivia
- Juan bears a uncanny resemblance to his older cousin.
- Juan, despite being Captain General, wears a Cardinal's attire; whereas Cesare, who was a Cardinal, is never seen in the uniform.