Noble Italian family, originally from Siena, who first gained fame in the 13th century as magistrates, ambassadors, and other public officials.
They moved to Rome in the 16th century and there, after Camillo Borghese was elected (1605) as Pope Paul V, the family rose in wealth and fame. Prominent family members included the adopted Scipione Caffarelli (later Borghese) (15761633), a cardinal and patron of the arts, and Camillo F. L. Borghese (17751832), who married Pauline Bonaparte and played an important role in Franco-Italian relations.