Three popes: Celestine III (1191), Nicholas III (1277), Benedict XIII (1724). 34 cardinals. Permanent deep state within Vatican administration. Orsini-Colonna rivalry = structural axis of medieval European politics (Guelph vs Ghibelline). Duchy of Bracciano, County of Pitigliano, lordships across Lazio/Campania/Naples. Controlled fortified strongholds in Rome — literally locked down the city during conclaves.
Marriage network: Medici (Clarice married Lorenzo the Magnificent, 1488), Farnese, Borgia, Torlonia, Bourbon, Habsburg. DNA wired into every European power center. After fall of Papal States (1870), became Black Nobility — refused to recognize Italian state. Current head: Prince Domenico Napoleone Orsini, Duke of Gravina.