CHAPTER XIV

1492. Condition of the papacy on the accession of Alexander VI. 315

" His family descent and debauched life 316

" Circumstances of his election 317

" His children and their scandalous conduct 318

" Pedigree of the Borgia 320

" The aspect of Italy at the close of her golden age 321

" Described by Guicciardini 322

" Sketch of the disputed succession of Naples, and its results 322

" The condition of Milan and Venice 325

" And of Florence 326

" Character of Charles VIII. of France, and his views upon Italy 327

" Negotiations for an Italian League frustrated by Pietro de' Medici 328

" State of the Roman Campagna and its rival barons 329

" Their feuds fire the train 331

" Ludovico il Moro invites Charles into Italy 331

1493. Military circumstances of Italy 332

" The condottiere system gradually abandoned 333

" Condemned by Machiavelli 334

" A new system introduced 335

" Lances, stradiotes, and infantry 335

" The Swiss infantry 337

" The lansquenets and Spaniards 338

" Introduction of fire-arms and artillery 338