Giovanni Antonio Orsini del Balzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Giovanni Antonio Orsini del Balzo
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| Grand Constable of the Kingdom of Naples | |
Portrait
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| Other titles | Prince of Taranto, Duke of Bari, Count of Lecce, Acerra, Soleto and Conversano, as well as Count of Matera (1433–63) and of Ugento (1453–63) |
| Born | 1386 or 1393 |
| Died | 15 November 1463 |
| Noble family | Orsini |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Colonna |
| Father | Raimondo Orsini del Balzo, Prince of Taranto |
| Mother | Mary of Enghien, an heiress of the Brienne main branch |
Giovanni Antonio Orsini del Balzo (born around 1401, died 1463) was a very important nobleman and military leader in southern Italy. He held many powerful titles, including Prince of Taranto and Duke of Bari. His lands stretched across a large part of the Kingdom of Naples, making him one of the most influential figures of his time.
Contents
A Powerful Family and Early Life
Giovanni Antonio was born in Lecce. His father was Raimondo Orsini del Balzo, Prince of Taranto. His mother, Mary of Enghien, came from a noble family called Brienne. When Giovanni Antonio was very young, his father passed away. His mother then married King Ladislaus of Naples, and all the family's lands became part of the King's possessions.
In 1417, Giovanni Antonio married Anna Colonna, who was the niece of Pope Martin V. This marriage connected him to another very powerful family.
Becoming Prince of Taranto
In 1421, Queen Joanna II of Naples officially gave Giovanni Antonio the title of Prince of Taranto. This made him the most powerful baron (a type of noble lord) in the entire Kingdom of Naples. His lands were huge, including many important cities, churches, and hundreds of castles. They stretched all the way from Salerno to Taranto.
Giovanni Antonio was also a key person in the royal court of Naples. He got involved in the struggles between Queen Joanna and Alfonso V of Aragon. Giovanni Antonio supported Alfonso in a civil war (a war between groups within the same country) against John II of Anjou. When Alfonso became the new King of Naples, Giovanni Antonio's power grew even more. He was given the important titles of Grand Constable (a high military position) and Duke of Bari.
Later Years and Legacy
After King Alfonso passed away, Giovanni Antonio returned to Taranto. He led a group of nobles who were against Alfonso's son, Ferdinand I. Instead, they supported John II. After several battles, Giovanni Antonio and his allies were defeated. However, he managed to make peace with King Ferdinand.
Giovanni Antonio died in Altamura Castle in 1463. After his death, King Ferdinand took most of his lands. Giovanni Antonio's niece, Isabella, was supposed to inherit his lands, but she passed away soon after in 1465. Her eldest son, who would later become Alfonso II of Naples, became the heir to these important territories.
See also
- History of Francavilla Fontana
