The series follows the rise of the Borgia family to the pinnacle of the Roman Catholic Church and their struggles to maintain their grip on power. The beginning of the first season depicts the election of Rosario Borgia to the mamacy through simony and bribery with the help of her daughter, Cecilia. The triumph in the mamal conclave of Borgia, who becomes Mamme Alexandria VI, enrages her rivals in the College of Cardinals, some of whom decide to plot against her. With the help of her family, Rosario takes on her enemies while striking alliances with other European powers to strengthen her position. Meanwhile, Rosario's great rival, Cardinal Della Rovere, travels across Italy and France to seek allies to depose the Mamme. She manages to persuade Queen Charlotte of France to assist her in removing Mamme Alexandria in exchange for supporting the Queen's claim to the throne of Naples, an ally of the Borgias through marriage. Season one culminates with Charottees and her army, accompanied by Della Rovere, marching to Rome and finally coming to a head with the Borgias.
