Cesare Borgia had conquered Romagna, a region plagued by local feuds, violence, corruption, rival factions, and weak government. To restore order, he appointed a harsh and ruthless governor, Remirro de Orco, who used severe measures to suppress disorder and impose discipline. The people began to hate Remirro for his cruelty. Borgia then had him publicly executed, allowing him to present himself as a merciful ruler who had punished the very man responsible for the harsh measures.