House of Farnese
The Farnese family was an influential family in Renaissance Italy.
Its most important members include Pope Paul III and the Dukes of Parma.
Several important architectural works and antiquities are associated with the Farnese family, either through construction or acquisition, including the Farnese Marbles. These include the Palazzo Farnese in Rome and the Villa Farnese in Caprarola.
Origins
The family could trace its origins back to around AD 984 and took their name from one of their oldest feudal possessions - Castrum Farneti. There has been some debate as to the origins of the name Farnesti/Farnese. Some suggest that it derives from the vernacular name for an oak found in the region, the Farnia (Quercus robur), but others have held that the name owes its origins to the Fara, a term of Lombard origin used to denote a particular social group. In the 12th century they are recorded as minor feudataries in the area of Tuscania and Orvieto, several members holding political positions in the latter commune. One Pietro defeated the Tuscan Ghibellines in 1110 and, most likely, fought against the Italo-Normans in 1134. His son Prudenzio was consul in Orvieto and defeated the Orvieto Ghibellines backed by Siena; another Pietro defended the town against Emperor Henry VI.
Remember I Said Their Children Become POPES!!!!!!!
VINCENZO MARIA ORSINI
Pope Benedict XIII
(ANTIPOPE)
http://z10.invisionfree.com/The_Unhived_Mind_II/index.php?showtopic=6929