Catherine of Valois–Courtenay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine of Valois–Courtenay |
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|---|---|
| Princess consort of Taranto, Princess consort of Achaea, and Queen consort of Albania | |
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| Latin Empress | |
| Reign | 11 October 1307 – October 1346 |
| Predecessor | Catherine I |
| Successor | Philip III |
| Born | Before 15 April 1303 |
| Died | October 1346 Naples |
| Consort |
Philip I of Taranto
(m. 1313; died 1331) |
| Issue | Margaret, Duchess of Andria Robert Louis I of Naples Philip II, Prince of Taranto |
| House | Valois |
| Father | Charles, Count of Valois |
| Mother | Catherine I |
Catherine II, also known as Catherine of Valois, was an important princess in the 1300s. She was recognized as the Latin Empress of Constantinople from 1307 to 1346. Even though she lived in exile, she had power over the Crusader States in Greece. She was also a princess in Achaea and Taranto. Catherine served as a regent (a ruler for someone too young to rule) in Achaea from 1332 to 1341. Later, she was the Governor of Cephalonia from 1341 to 1346.
Contents
Life of Catherine II
Early Life and Claim to the Empire
Catherine was born in 1303, before April 15. She was the oldest daughter of Charles, Count of Valois, and Catherine I. Her mother was seen as the Empress of the Latin Empire of Constantinople. This was true even though the city had been taken by another empire in 1261.
Catherine inherited her mother's claim to the empire on October 11, 1307. She was still a child at this time. Her father took care of her claims to the empire until he passed away in 1325. When she was a baby, she was promised to Hugh of Burgundy in 1303. But this promise was later canceled in 1312.
Marriage and Influence in Naples
In July 1313, Catherine married Philip I of Taranto. He was the King of Albania and Prince of Achaea. Philip was also the younger brother of Robert, King of Naples. Catherine made her husband a "titular" (in name only) Emperor, Philip II. She kept her claim to the empire after he died in 1332.
Her oldest son, Robert, became Prince of Taranto in 1331. Catherine became very important at the court in Naples. Her court was seen as more lively than the very religious court of King Robert and his wife. During the rule of her niece, Joanna I of Naples, Catherine did not want Joan's younger sister to marry a rival family. Her family received money from the royal treasury as a compromise.
Ruling Achaea
In 1333, Catherine's son Robert received the Principality of Achaea. This happened through an agreement with his uncle. However, Robert was only thirteen years old and too young to rule alone. So, Catherine became his co-ruler for the rest of her life.
At first, she ruled through appointed officials called baillis. But in the summer of 1338, Catherine gathered a fleet of ships. She moved her entire household to Achaea. There, she took a very active part in the government. She also gave shelter to Nikephoros II Orsini of Epirus. She supported him in his efforts to gain control of his land against the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos.
Later Years and Legacy
By 1341, Robert was an adult, so Catherine's direct presence in Achaea was no longer needed. She then became the Governor of Cephalonia. She spent the last five years of her life in this role. After a difficult event involving Joan's husband, Joan looked for a new husband among her Taranto cousins. Catherine supported her younger son, Louis of Taranto, over her older son, Robert.
She also gave shelter to Charles of Artois and his son. They were suspected of being involved in the difficult event. When asked to hand them over, she refused. She stated she would deal with them herself if they were found guilty. Catherine passed away in Naples in October 1346. Queen Joan arranged her funeral at the church of San Domenico.
Issue
Catherine II had four children with Philip I of Taranto:
- Margaret (around 1325–1380), who married Francis of Baux, Duke of Andria. Her son, James of Baux, later became Prince of Achaea and titular Emperor of Constantinople.
- Robert (1326–1364), who became Prince of Taranto and titular Emperor of Constantinople (as Robert II).
- Louis (1327/28–1362), who was Prince of Taranto. He also became King of Naples through his marriage.
- Philip II (1329–1374), who became Prince of Taranto and Achaea. He was also titular Emperor of Constantinople (as Philip III).
See also
In Spanish: Catalina de Valois-Courtenay para niños
