Agnes of Durazzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Agnes of Durazzo |
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![]() Tomb of Agnes and Clementia, church of St. Chiara in Naples.
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Latin Empress consort of Constantinople | |
Tenure | 1382—1383 |
Born | 1345 Durazzo, Albania |
Died | 10 February 1383 | (aged 37–38)
Spouse | |
Father | Charles of Durazzo |
Mother | Maria of Calabria |
Agnes of Durazzo (born 1345 – died February 10, 1383) was an important noblewoman in medieval Europe. She became the wife of James of Baux, who was a claimant to the title of Latin Emperor of Constantinople. This made her the last woman to claim the title of empress of the Latin Empire.
Who Was Agnes of Durazzo?
Agnes was born in 1345. She was the second daughter of Charles, Duke of Durazzo and Maria of Calabria. Her family was part of the powerful Anjou dynasty. This family ruled many parts of Europe, including the Kingdom of Naples.
Agnes's First Marriage
Agnes first married a man named Cansignorio della Scala. He was a powerful ruler in Italy. Cansignorio was the Lord of Verona, an important city. He shared power with his older brother, Cangrande II della Scala.
In 1359, Cansignorio became the sole ruler of Verona. His younger brother, Paolo Alboino della Scala, later joined him as a co-ruler. This lasted until 1365. Cansignorio died on October 10, 1375. Agnes and Cansignorio did not have any children together.
Agnes's Second Marriage and Empress Title
Agnes married for the second time on September 16, 1382. Her new husband was James of Baux. James had been trying to claim the throne of the Latin Empire since 1374. The Latin Empire was a Crusader state. It was created after the Fourth Crusade captured Constantinople in 1204.
Agnes's brother-in-law, Charles III of Naples, gave her Corfu as a special gift. This gift was part of her marriage agreement. Agnes's second marriage was very short. She passed away on February 10, 1383. James, her husband, died a few months later in Taranto on July 7, 1383.
Agnes of Durazzo is remembered as the last person to hold the title of Latin Empress. Even though the Latin Empire had fallen long before, the title was still claimed by some rulers.