{"id":6503,"date":"2021-10-30T07:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T05:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.historyextra.com\/?p=189679"},"modified":"2021-10-30T07:27:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T05:27:21","slug":"30-october-on-this-day-in-history","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbchistory\/rss_feed\/30-october-on-this-day-in-history\/","title":{"rendered":"30 October: On this day in history"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Dominic Sandbrook\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 30 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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30 October 1501: Cesare Borgia hosts a night to remember<\/h3>\n

Italy\u2019s most powerful family gathers at the Vatican for an evening of \u2018adult entertainment\u2019 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

On Sunday 30 October 1501, Cesare Borgia had some friends around for dinner; the guests included his father \u2013 Pope Alexander VI \u2013 and sister, Lucrezia. Formerly a cardinal, now commander of the papal armies, Cesare had a reputation for high living. But, even by the Borgias\u2019 colourful standards, the bacchanal that became known as the \u2018Ballet of Chestnuts\u2019 would be a party like no other.<\/p>\n

According to the diary of the papal official Johann Burchard (who may, in fairness, have somewhat exaggerated events), the banquet was held in Cesare\u2019s apartments in the Vatican. On their arrival, the guests were greeted by 50 of Rome\u2019s most accomplished prostitutes who danced during dinner \u2013 initially clothed but subsequently naked.<\/p>\n