Cecilia Venier facts for kids

Cecilia Venier (died 1543) was a powerful lady who ruled the island of Paros from 1531 to 1537. She was the last person to rule Paros before the Ottoman Empire took control of it in 1537. Cecilia ruled "by her own right," meaning she inherited the title herself, not through her husband.

Early Life and Claim to Paros

Cecilia was the daughter of Fiorenza Sommaripa and Zuan Francesco Venier. In 1531, her brother Nicolò passed away. After his death, Cecilia believed she should be the next ruler of Paros.

However, two other people, Crusino III Sommaripa and John IV Crispo, also claimed the island. While this disagreement was being sorted out, the city of Venice managed Paros. In 1535, a court in Venice decided that Cecilia's claim was valid. She then began to rule Paros alongside her husband, Bernado Sagredo.

The Fall of Paros

In 1537, a famous Ottoman admiral named Hayreddin Barbarossa attacked Paros. Cecilia and her husband left their fortress at Agousa. They were then surrounded in the castle of Kephalos.

Cecilia's husband, Bernado Sagredo, led the defense of the castle. They fought against the Ottoman forces for several days. However, they eventually ran out of gunpowder. Because of this, Sagredo was forced to surrender the castle.

After the Surrender

As part of the surrender agreement, Cecilia Venier lost her position as ruler. She was allowed to leave the island and find safety in Venice. Her husband was taken captive by the Ottomans. Luckily, he was later set free.

Cecilia Venier passed away six years after she was no longer the ruler of Paros.