Blasco I d'Alagona facts for kids
Blasco I Alagona (died 1301), also known as Blasco d'Alagona, was an important nobleman and soldier from Aragon. He was called the Elder to tell him apart from others with the same name. After 1285, he served the Kingdom of Sicily. His family came from a place called Alagón. Blasco was known for being very good at using foot soldiers (infantry) in smart ways against knights on horseback (heavy cavalry).
Blasco was born in the early 1200s. He likely fought for Peter III of Aragon during the war to take control of Sicily in 1282. By November 1285, he was already living in Sicily. He even saw King Peter's son, Alfonso III, give his claim to Sicily to his brother, James.
King James gave Blasco many important jobs in the army and government. In 1291, Blasco captured the town of Montalto in Calabria. He took its commander, Guidone da Primerano, as a prisoner. Blasco was called back to Aragon twice, once in 1291 and again in 1294. In 1295, King James gave up his claim to Sicily in a peace agreement called the Treaty of Anagni. Blasco then left James's court without permission and went back to Sicily.
Serving King Frederick III
In 1296, the people of Sicily chose Frederick III as their king. This was against the Treaty of Anagni. King Frederick made Blasco a captain in his army. Blasco joined the king's invasion of Calabria later that year. When King James returned to Sicily, he left Blasco in charge of Calabria.
In 1297, Blasco was called back to Sicily because some people thought he might be a traitor. But he was quickly sent back to Calabria. The Neapolitan admiral Roger of Lauria had taken over Catanzaro. Blasco led a small group of soldiers against the city in September. Even though his force was smaller, he won a big victory. In January 1299, King Frederick rewarded Blasco for his loyalty. He gave Blasco the castle and lands of Naso. These lands had been taken from people who were disloyal to the king.
Key Battles and Victories
Blasco was a hero in several important battles. At the Battle of Capo d'Orlando on July 4, 1299, King Frederick's navy fought against a combined fleet from Naples and Aragon. Blasco's actions helped save the king's main ship.
At the Battle of Falconaria on December 1, 1299, Blasco led the left side of the army. He was given credit for helping King Frederick win this battle. In 1300, his foot soldiers defeated the Neapolitan knights at the Battle of Gagliano. During this battle, they captured a famous leader named Walter V, Count of Brienne.
Blasco I Alagona died in 1301 during the Siege of Messina. He may have become sick from eating bad food.
Sources
See also
In Spanish: Blasco de Alagón el Viejo para niños
