Battle of Ponza (1435) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ponza
Part of Aragon's Conquest of Naples
The surrender of Alfonso
Date 5 August 1435 Location Island of Ponza, Tyrrhenian Sea Result Decisive Genoese victory
Belligerents
Duchy of Milan Republic of Genoa	Crown of Aragon
Commanders and leaders
Filippo Visconti Biagio Assereto Jacopo Giustiniani	Alfonso V of Aragon King of Aragon (POW) John II of Aragon King of Navarre (POW) Henry of Aragon Prince Infante (POW)
Strength
Genoese fleet: 3 galleys 13 vessels 2,400 soldiers	Aragonese fleet: 11 galleys 14 vessels 6,000 soldiers
Casualties and losses
90 killed	600 killed ~100 Aragonese nobles captured 13 vessels lost

The Battle of Ponza was a big naval fight that happened in August 1435. It took place near the Island of Ponza in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This battle was part of a larger conflict called Aragon's Conquest of Naples.

The Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, sent his Genoese navy to help the city of Gaeta. Gaeta was under attack by King Alfonso V of Aragon. The Genoese fleet won a major victory against the Aragonese forces.

Why the Battle Happened

The Battle of Ponza was fought because of a disagreement over who should rule the Kingdom of Naples.

A Queen's Choice

Queen Joan II of Naples died on February 2, 1435. Before she passed away, she chose Rene d'Anjou to be the next ruler of Naples.

King Alfonso's Claim

However, Alfonso, who was the King of Aragon and Sicily, also wanted to be king of Naples. He said that Queen Joan had adopted him first. This started a war between the Anjou family and the House of Barcelona over the Kingdom of Naples.

Alfonso's Move

At that time, Rene d'Anjou was held prisoner in the Duchy of Burgundy. King Alfonso quickly gathered his supporters in Naples. He then sailed from Sicily with a large fleet of ships. His goal was to attack and capture the city of Gaeta.

The Battle of Ponza

The city of Gaeta was protected by soldiers from the Republic of Genoa. After Queen Joan died, Genoa sent 800 more soldiers to help defend Gaeta.

Milan and Genoa Join Forces

The Duke of Milan was on the side of the Anjou family. The Republic of Genoa had recently agreed to be under the Duke of Milan's rule. So, in July, the Duke sent a Genoese fleet to help Gaeta. This fleet was led by Biagio Assereto.

The Clash of Fleets

King Alfonso immediately sailed his ships to meet the Genoese fleet. His fleet had more ships and soldiers than the Genoese. The two fleets met near the island of Ponza.

The battle was long and fierce, lasting for ten hours. In the end, the Genoese fleet won completely. King Alfonso V of Aragon's royal ship was forced to surrender. King Alfonso himself was captured during the battle.

What Happened After the Battle

The Genoese victory had a big impact on the war.

Siege Lifted and Heroes' Welcome

Because of the Genoese victory, the attack on Gaeta was stopped. When the Genoese fleet returned to Genoa, they received a huge celebration.

A King's Persuasion

King Alfonso and all the important Aragonese prisoners were taken to Milan. They were brought before the Duke of Milan. It seemed like the war might be over right then.

However, King Alfonso was very clever. He managed to convince the Duke of Milan to switch sides and support him instead of Rene d'Anjou. Because of this, King Alfonso and all the other prisoners were set free.

Genoese Rebellion

The people of Genoa were very angry about the Duke's decision. They felt betrayed. Because of their anger, they started a rebellion against him. On December 27, 1435, they drove out the Milanese soldiers and ended the Duke's rule over Genoa.

See also

• Kingdom of Naples
• Crown of Aragon
• Republic of Genoa

In Spanish: Batalla de Ponza (1435) para niños