Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" / Volume 4, Slice 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

33614

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Bohemia" to "Borgia, Francis" / Volume 4, Slice 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume from the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica offers authoritative entries on Bohemia, Cesare Borgia, and Francis Borgia. It explores the geography and resources of Central Europe alongside the turbulent Renaissance politics of Italy and the spiritual legacy of a saintly Jesuit general.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume 4, Slice 2 of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, presents detailed entries on Bohemia and the Borgia family. The entry on Bohemia describes the region as an irregular rhomb-shaped kingdom and crownland of Austria, situated in the geographical center of Europe. Bordered by high mountain ranges including the Sudetes, Erzgebirge, and Böhmerwald, the territory features a continental climate with fertile soil supporting diverse agriculture. Major rivers, particularly the Moldau (Vltava), serve as vital commercial arteries, while the landscape is rich in mineral deposits such as coal, iron, silver, and lead. The region is noted for its extensive forests, productive agriculture yielding oats, rye, and hops, and numerous celebrated mineral springs like Carlsbad and Marienbad. The narrative then shifts to the Borgia family, focusing on Cesare Borgia. Described as a ruthless adventurer and condottiero, Cesare utilized treachery and ferocity to conquer Romagna and central Italy. His military campaigns included the siege of Forlì and the subjugation of various Italian states, earning him the title of Duke of Romagna. However, his career collapsed upon the death of his father, Pope Alexander VI, in 1503. With his patronage gone, Cesare faced rising opposition from deposed princes and local factions. He was eventually arrested by Spanish forces in 1504, imprisoned for two years, and later escaped to the court of the King of Navarre. There, while besieging a castle, he was killed in 1507. Despite his cruel methods, he governed his territories with firmness and justice. The volume concludes with an entry on Francis Borgia, Cesare's brother. Unlike his brother's worldly ambitions, Francis renounced his dukedom and high court honors to embrace a life of austerity. Educated at the court of Charles V, he founded Jesuit colleges and served as the third general of the Jesuits. His life was dedicated to penance, prayer, and the expansion of the order, earning him canonization as a Roman Catholic saint. Francis's entry highlights the stark contrast between the two brothers, illustrating the divergent paths of secular power and religious devotion within the same family.

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Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries