While on holiday in Spain, I came across a rather dusty collection of antique fans in a historical palace. Amongst the feathers, ivory ribs and painted paper, there was a fan from Italy, made of mother-of-pearl, which had a small ring attached to it – a label stated that the ring was ‘a receptacle for poison’. Immediately my curiosity was aroused, and one of the most infamous poisoners in history came into my mind.

Lucrezia Borgia was an Italian noblewoman, who lived during the early Renaissance period, and who is generally believed to have poisoned members of her family with arsenic. In the 500 years since her death, her alleged murderous acts have passed into legend and are still perpetuated through popular culture, such as in the detective stories of Agatha Christie. The Queen of Crime mentions Borgia several times:

But, what was the truth about Lucrezia Borgia? Was she a coldblooded and efficient poisoner, or has the reality been transformed over time into an unshakeable myth?

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