James IV of Majorca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James IV of Majorca |
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| Born | 1336 |
| Died | 20 January 1375 Soria |
| Spouse | Joanna I of Naples |
| House | House of Barcelona |
| Father | James III of Majorca |
| Mother | Constance of Aragon |
James IV of Majorca, also known as Jaume IV (born around 1336 – died January 20, 1375), was a prince who tried to become king of the Kingdom of Majorca. He also claimed the title of Prince of Achaea. He was the husband of Joanna I of Naples, making him a "king consort" of Naples. This means he was a king because of his marriage, but he didn't actually rule Naples.
Early Life and Family History
James was born around 1336. His father was King James III of Majorca. His mother was Constance of Aragon.
The Kingdom of Majorca was created in 1276. This happened when James the Conqueror, who was King of Aragon, divided his lands. He gave his older son, Peter III of Aragon, the lands of Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia. His younger son, James II of Majorca, received the Balearic Islands, Montpellier, Roussillon, and Cerdanya.
Over the years, the kings of Aragon tried to bring Majorca back under their rule. James IV's grandfather, James III of Majorca, was the last king of Majorca. He had a difficult relationship with his brother-in-law, Peter IV of Aragon. Peter IV eventually took over Majorca and its other lands in 1344.
In 1348, James IV's father, James III, went to Avignon. He wanted to get help from Pope Clement VI against Peter IV. Young James IV went with his father. During this time, James IV likely met Joanna I of Naples, who would later become his wife. James III helped Joanna during a trial, and she promised to help him. In 1349, James III tried to take back Majorca. However, his army was defeated, and he was killed in the Battle of Llucmajor.
Prison and Marriage
After his father's death in 1349, James IV was captured. His uncle, Peter IV of Aragon, kept him prisoner. James was held in a cage in Barcelona for many years, until 1362.
In 1362, James managed to escape. He found safety with Joanna I of Naples. Joanna did not have any children yet and wanted an heir. So, she married James on September 26, 1363, at Castel Nuovo. Their marriage agreement stated that James would not be involved in ruling Naples.
The marriage was not very successful. In January 1365, Joanna became pregnant with James IV's child. Sadly, she lost the baby in June of that year. They never had children together after that.
Fighting for His Kingdom
James was determined to get his kingdom back. He soon left Naples to fight against the Kingdom of Aragon. He was defeated and had to escape to Bordeaux. There, he got help from Edward the Black Prince. James hoped Edward would help him regain Majorca.
James joined an invasion of Castile and fought in the battle of Nájera in 1367. After the battle, he became very sick in Valladolid. He couldn't leave the city and was captured by Henry II of Castile. Joanna paid a ransom to free him. James returned to Naples briefly but soon left again.
James hoped to take advantage of a war between Henry II of Castile and Peter IV of Aragon. He wanted to capture Roussillon and Cerdanya, which were part of his father's old kingdom. However, a truce was made between Castile and Aragon. This meant all of Aragon's forces could focus on James. He was defeated again.
James fled into Castile. He died in Soria on January 20, 1375, due to illness. He was 38 or 39 years old.
After James IV's death, his claim to Majorca passed to his sister, Isabella of Majorca. He left his claim to Achaea to his wife, Joanna.
See also
In Spanish: Jaime IV de Mallorca para niños
