Juan Borgia the Younger
- For his older cousin, see Juan Borgia the Elder.
Juan Borgia the Younger (also known as Giovanni Borgia), the 2nd Duke of Gandia (1474 - June 14, 1497) was the first son of Rodrigo Borgia - the Grand Master of the Templar Order - and his long-term mistress Vanozza dei Cattanei. He was also the older brother of Cesare, Lucrezia and Jofré.
Juan being his favorite son, Rodrigo made him the Captain General of the Papal Army, when the latter became Pope in 1492. His younger brother, Cesare became a Cardinal.
In 1496, Juan fought Bartolomeo d'Alviano at the Siege of Bracciano, Bartolomeo sent a donkey out of the city, with a sign around its neck reading "Let me go for I am an ambassador to the Duke of Gandia". He had roped a letter for Juan to the donkey's tail that contained further insults.
By 1497, Cesare had realized his life as a cardinal would lead nowhere, and if he wanted to gain power, he would have to kill his own brother to do it. He had Juan killed by Fiora Cavazza on 14 June 1497. Cesare became Captain General in Juan's stead, as he was never identified as Juan's killer. [1]