Isabella Pallavicini facts for kids

Isabella Pallavicini was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. She was the marchioness of Bodonitsa from 1278 until she died in 1286. A marchioness was like a queen or a princess who ruled her own small territory.

Isabella is sometimes called Jezebel. She took over the rule of Bodonitsa after her brother, Ubertino, passed away. She also inherited lands in Parma, Italy, from her older sister, Mabilia. Isabella, Ubertino, and Mabilia were the only children of the first ruler of Bodonitsa, named Guy Pallavicini.

Isabella Becomes a Ruler

In 1278, when Isabella became the marchioness, a powerful king named Charles I of Sicily asked her to show her loyalty. King Charles had a representative, called a bailli, in a place called Glarentsa. Isabella was asked to pay respect to this new bailli.

A Leader Among Rulers

Isabella was a very important person in the Principality of Achaea. This was a larger region where many rulers had their lands. The ruler of Bodonitsa was considered the most important among twelve other noble rulers. They were called the "first among equals."

When the other noble rulers of Achaea refused to show loyalty to the new bailli, one big reason was that Isabella, their most important leader, was not there.

Later Life and Legacy

Isabella was already old when she became the marchioness. She did not live for many more years, passing away in 1286. She did not have any children.

Who Would Rule Next?

Because Isabella had no children, there was a disagreement about who should rule Bodonitsa next. This problem was solved by William I of Athens. He was acting as a temporary ruler for Achaea at the time. William decided that Isabella's cousin, Albert Pallavicini, should become the next ruler.

A Possible Poet

Some historians believe that Isabella Pallavicini might be the same person as a famous female poet. This poet was known only as Ysabella. She was a trobairitz, which was a female poet and composer in medieval times.