PC: Alliance of Alexander VI and Vlad III?

this is just something i've been considering for a while as part of the prologue for a prose story i have in mind set in my ASB ATL (most of the story is set in the 19th century). i can't go into much detail because, tbph, i haven't decided on an exact POD, but it involves Vlad the Impaler possibly going undefeated altogether up until a narrative-related death (which might involve Ishak Pasha) and successfully resisting the Ottomans up to that point. i plan to at least try to cast Vlad in as realistic a light as possible (e.g., more as a man than a vampire) but anticipate that he might end up a villain protagonist anyway, and based on that the idea occurred to me that maybe he could be allied with the Borgia papacy to the end of keeping the Ottomans out of Wallachia (or at least from getting any further--i still need to review the history in general). i mainly wanted to ask if anyone thinks that an alliance between Rodrigo Borgia and Vlad the Impaler is plausible under any circumstances. thoughts?
 
I know that this is an ASB ATL but this is just something that I can point out if it were not to be in that category...

Rodrigo Borgia as in Pope Alexander VI, correct? His time as pope began in 1492. By that time, Vlad would be 60-61 years old. His grandfather, Mircea the Elder, lived until around the age of 63. Yes, it is possible for him to live to that age and maybe a little more. Is it likely? In my opinion, no. Factors that should be taken into consideration are: sanitation or lack thereof during the period, medical practices of the time, and the effects of years of war on the human body. These three factors should not be taken lightly or overlooked.

In regard to an alliance with the papacy, there are some things to consider as well. Vlad would need to be careful with this so-called balancing act. While the papacy could be helpful in procuring necessary funds (and Vlad needs money to keep his forces), one needs to remember that Wallachia was primarily Orthodox. Retaining local support is essential in this scenario and being in an alliance with the papacy might not go over too well. If he were a third party, like in OTL in 1459, then that may not only secure some outside support but help in the retention of local support...if he is clever enough. Another pope that you could consider is Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1484) if he did not give up on his renewed crusade against the Ottomans.

To put it simply, an alliance between the papacy and Vlad III is possible, not necessarily plausible. Pope Alexander appeared to be more focused on affairs in western Europe and not so much on Ottoman expansion into Europe during his time in office. However, the Ottomans were still a threat to Europe and quite a few monarchs were aware of that. As far as other matters in Romanian history and/or politics at the time, Zagan may be of some assistance. He has a well-written TL on this board and, if I am not mistaken, is in fact Romanian.
 
yeah, i looked back at my older notes and saw that i'd written "alliance in 1492". my bad on that part :p i'll have to keep the factors to his possible earlier death and the third-party thing in mind, and i'll have to look into Zagan's TL or ask him for help

tbph, the main reason i want it to be Borgia is mainly for the narrative, two traditionally villainous historical figures teaming up and all that ;) Borgia just funding Vlad definitely sounds like it might be the best way to go, so thanks for chiming in :)
 
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