CHAPTER XXXI

Birth and elevation of Sixtus IV.--Genealogy of the della Rovere family--Nepotism of that pontiff--His improvements in Rome--His patronage of letters and arts--His brother Giovanni becomes Lord of Sinigaglia and Prefect of Rome--His beneficent sway--He pillages a papal envoy--Remarkable story of Zizim or Gem--Portrait of Giovanni--The early character and difficulties of Julius II.--Estimate of his pontificate 277

BOOK SIXTH

OF FRANCESCO MARIA DELLA ROVERE, FOURTH DUKE OF URBINO