James III of Majorca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James III |
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James III depicted in the Leges palatinae
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| King of Majorca Count of Roussillon and Cerdanya |
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| Reign | 4 September 1324–c. 1344 |
| Lord of Montpellier | |
| Reign | 4 September 1324–25 October 1349 |
| Prince of Achaea | |
| Reign | c. 1331–25 October 1349 |
| Born | 5 April 1315 Catania, Kingdom of Sicily |
| Died | 25 October 1349 (aged 34) Llucmajor, Kingdom of Majorca |
| Burial | Valencia Cathedral, Spain |
| Spouse | Constance of Aragon Violante of Vilaragut |
| Issue | James IV of Majorca Isabella of Majorca |
| House | Barcelona |
| Father | Ferdinand of Majorca |
| Mother | Isabella of Sabran |
James III (born April 5, 1315 – died October 25, 1349) was a king known as James the Rash. He ruled the Kingdom of Majorca from 1324 to 1344. James was the son of Ferdinand of Majorca and Isabella of Sabran.
Contents
Early Life and Claims
James was born in Catania, a city in Sicily. His grandmother, Margaret of Villehardouin, tried to get back a territory called the Principality of Achaea. This land was in Greece.
James's mother, Isabella, passed away soon after he was born. James was then named Prince of Achaea. His father, Ferdinand, tried to take control of this principality. Sadly, Ferdinand was killed in a battle in 1316.
Even with this setback, many local leaders in Achaea began to accept James's right to rule. By 1333, everyone recognized him as the rightful ruler. However, another powerful family still claimed the land.
Becoming King of Majorca
In 1324, James became King of Majorca. This happened after his uncle, Sancho, died. James was still young, so his other uncle, Philip, ruled for him until 1329.
To make friends with the powerful Crown of Aragon, James married Constance. She was the daughter of King Alfonso IV of Aragon. Usually, the kings of Majorca promised loyalty to the kings of Aragon. But James believed no king should have to bow to another king.
James supported the University of Montpellier, which was in his lands in France. Legal experts from this university helped defend his rights as a king.
Rules for the Royal Court
On May 9, 1337, James created a special set of rules. These rules were for his royal court and were called the Leges palatinae. It was one of the first rulebooks of its kind.
He ordered a beautiful, illustrated book to be made for these rules. It was made in an Italian style. James kept this special book even after he lost his throne. He later sold it to Philip VI of France.
Conflict and Loss of Kingdom
In 1342, James refused to promise loyalty to his cousin, Peter IV of Aragon. The experts from the University of Montpellier supported James. A poet from Aragon also wrote a poem defending him.
However, Peter IV of Aragon started a short war. He forced James out of Majorca. Peter then took the Balearic Islands, including Majorca, back into the Crown of Aragon.
James tried to get his island back. He died in the Battle of Llucmajor on October 25, 1349, while fighting for his kingdom.
Family Life
James had two children with his first wife, Constance of Aragon:
- James IV of Majorca (born around 1336 – died January 20, 1375). He married Joanna I of Naples.
- Isabella of Majorca (born around 1337 – died around 1406). She married John II of Montferrat.
James also had one child with his second wife, Violante of Vilaragut:
- Esclaramunda of Majorca (birth date unknown). She died very soon after she was born.
