The Banquet of Chestnuts: A Night of Historic Indulgence

This segment explores the infamous Banquet of Chestnuts, held in 1501 and orchestrated by Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI. Taking place within the Vatican's Papal Palace, this event is remembered for its unparalleled extravagance and licentiousness. Distinguished from typical banquets, it featured Rome's most beguiling courtesans not just as guests, but as the central figures in a series of sensuous and provocative games. As the evening unfolded, these games escalated in their suggestive and risqué nature, far exceeding the boundaries of mere dance and flirtation. Prizes were awarded for acts of carnal indulgence, erasing the distinction between public spectacle and private vice. This banquet stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions within the Vatican's history, showcasing an era where the lines between sanctity and sin were intriguingly blurred.