Battle of Ponza (1300) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ponza
Part of War of the Sicilian Vespers
Date 14 June 1300 Location near Naples, present-day Italy Result Aragonese–Angevin victory
Belligerents
Crown of Aragon Angevin Empire	Sicily
Commanders and leaders
Roger of Lauria	Conrad d'Oria
Strength
59 galleys	32 galleys
Casualties and losses
Unknown	26 galleys captured

The Battle of Ponza was an important naval battle that happened on June 14, 1300. It took place near the islands of Ponza and Zannone, close to Naples in modern-day Italy. In this battle, a fleet of ships led by Roger of Lauria won against a fleet from Aragon and Sicily, which was commanded by Conrad d'Oria.

What Happened at the Battle of Ponza?

This sea battle was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Sicilian Vespers. It was a fight between different kingdoms for control of Sicily.

The Fleets Prepare for Battle

Roger of Lauria had 40 galleys (large ships powered by oars and sails) from the Angevin kingdom. They were docked in Naples. Suddenly, 32 Sicilian galleys, led by Conrad d'Oria, arrived and challenged Lauria to fight.

At first, Lauria didn't want to fight. He might not have trusted his Angevin crews enough. While he waited, d'Oria's ships attacked and damaged some nearby islands.

More Ships Join the Fight

Soon, more ships arrived to help Lauria. Twelve galleys from Apulia came from the south. Also, seven galleys from Genoa joined his fleet. This made Lauria's fleet much bigger, with a total of 59 galleys.

Now, Lauria felt ready to fight. He sailed out and found the Sicilian ships near Zannone Island.

The Battle Begins

Conrad d'Oria was advised to retreat, but he refused. He decided to attack Lauria's main ship directly. D'Oria's galley pulled up right next to Lauria's, trying to board it. Lauria's crew fought hard, even though d'Oria's ship couldn't be fully boarded.

During the fight, one Sicilian galley managed to capture one of Lauria's ships and then fled. Six more Sicilian galleys followed it and left the battle. Five Genoese galleys, who were waiting to see who would win, held back.

The Outcome of the Battle

In the end, Roger of Lauria's larger fleet was victorious. Many Sicilian galleys were captured. Sources say between 18 and 29 Sicilian galleys were taken. Conrad d'Oria's ship was the last to surrender. He only gave up when Lauria threatened to burn his ship.

Ships Involved in the Battle

Aragonese and Angevin Fleet

• 40 Angevin galleys
• 12 Apulian galleys
• 7 Genoese galleys
• Total: 59 galleys

Sicilian Fleet

• 32 galleys
• Result: About 26 of these galleys were captured by the winning side.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Ponza (1300) para niños