On the death of Pope Innocent VIII in 1492, the 60-year-old Borgia wants the papal tiara at all costs (literally). He succeeds in buying the largest number of votes; Sforza, the Milanese candidate, being bribed with four mule-loads of silver. He takes the name Alexander VI and continues his love affair with Giulia Farnese, bringing his four adult bastard children under his protection and provision. Borgia must control rebels within the college of cardinals, as well as being faced with an invasion by Charles of France.