Chapter XIV
Reading edition
CHAPTER XIV
1492. Condition of the papacy on the accession of Alexander VI.315
” His family descent and debauched life316
” Circumstances of his election317
” His children and their scandalous conduct318
” Pedigree of the Borgia320
” The aspect of Italy at the close of her golden age321
” Described by Guicciardini322
” Sketch of the disputed succession of Naples, and its results322
” The condition of Milan and Venice325
” And of Florence326
” Character of Charles VIII. of France, and his views upon Italy327
” Negotiations for an Italian League frustrated by Pietro de' Medici328
” State of the Roman Campagna and its rival barons329
” Their feuds fire the train331
” Ludovico il Moro invites Charles into Italy331
1493. Military circumstances of Italy332
” The condottiere system gradually abandoned333
” Condemned by Machiavelli334
” A new system introduced335
” Lances, stradiotes, and infantry335
” The Swiss infantry337
” The lansquenets and Spaniards338
” Introduction of fire-arms and artillery338