Agapito Geraldini (1450-1515) was Cesare Borgia's secretary. Geraldini came from a notable family from Amelia, and he served as Borgia's most trusted adviser and best friend during his efforts to conquer Italy for the Borgia. Borgia allowed for Geraldini to retire after his fall from power in 1503, and Geraldini died at his estate in Amelia in 1515.
Biography[]
Agapito Geraldini was the son of Bernardino Geraldini, and he began his career in Rome in 1482. Geraldini first met Cesare Borgia upon his arrival in Spoleto in August 1492; Pope Alexander VI sent him to serve as Borgia's secretary during his indefinite stay in Spoleto. Geraldini would go on to serve Borgia as his loyal right-hand man, just as Francesc Gacet served the Pope. He was a close friend and trusted counselor, and he helped Borgia with his diplomacy and planning his campaigns. In 1504, after Borgia's army was destroyed and he became an outcast, Cesare decided to bid Agapito farewell, telling him to live in peace in Umbria, as he did not want Agapito to see his death and his final defeat. He attempted to be a witness at Borgia's trial in 1505, but Pope Julius II said that he could either stand trial with Borgia or flee, and Cesare Borgia gave him permission to flee. He lived in Umbria with Vannozza dei Cattanei after his exile. With Cesare's downfall, he retired to private life, and he welcomed Prospero Colonna to Amelia in 1512. He died in Amelia in 1515.