James I of Cyprus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James I |
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| King of Cyprus | |
| Reign | 13 October 1382 – 9 September 1398 |
| Predecessor | Peter II |
| Successor | Janus |
| Born | 1334 |
| Died | 9 September 1398 Nicosia |
| Spouse | Agnes of Bavaria (uncertain) Helvis of Brunswick-Grubenhagen |
| Issue among others... |
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| House | Poitiers-Lusignan |
| Father | Hugh IV |
| Mother | Alix of Ibelin |
James I (born in 1334, died September 9, 1398) was a powerful ruler in the Middle Ages. He was the youngest son of King Hugh IV of Cyprus. By 1369, he held the important title of "Constable of Jerusalem," which was a high military position.
James became King of Cyprus in 1382 after his nephew, Peter II, passed away. He was also crowned King of Jerusalem in 1389. Later, in 1393, he took on the title of King of Armenia, which was officially given to him in 1396. James was known for bravely fighting against the Genoese invasion of Cyprus.
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Early Life and Family Role
James was the third son of Hugh IV of Cyprus and his second wife, Alix of Ibelin. His older half-brother was Guy, Prince of Galilee. His full brothers were Peter I, who became King of Cyprus, and John of Lusignan, Prince of Antioch.
When his father, King Hugh IV, died in 1359, James's brother Peter I became king. Peter I ruled for ten years until he was murdered in 1369. Peter I's son, Peter II, was only about 14 years old when his father died.
James's other brother, John, became the regent for Peter II. A regent rules the kingdom when the king is too young. Peter II was crowned king in January 1372.
The Genoese Invasion
During Peter II's early reign, his mother, Queen Eleanor, invited the Genoese to Cyprus. She wanted their help to get revenge for her husband's murder. The Genoese were a powerful trading nation. They had business interests in Cyprus and wanted to gain more control.
In April 1373, the Genoese invaded Cyprus. They quickly took over the strong city of Famagusta. They also captured Peter II and his mother, Eleanor. After punishing those who murdered Peter I, the Genoese wanted to control the whole island.
James and his brother John bravely fought against the invaders. James led the forces in Kyrenia and successfully defended the city. However, his young nephew, King Peter II, signed a treaty with the Genoese. This treaty allowed the Genoese to keep Famagusta.
According to the treaty, James had to leave Cyprus. The Genoese saw him as their main enemy. In 1374, he left the island by ship. His ship was forced to stop at Rhodes, where the Genoese arrested him. He was taken as a prisoner to Genoa with his wife. Their young daughter died during this difficult journey. Their first son, Janus, was born in Genoa in 1375. James and his wife were held captive in Genoa for nine years. Many of their other children were also born there.
Becoming King of Cyprus
In 1382, King Peter II died without any children to take his place. The Parliament of Cyprus decided that James should be the next king. However, James was still a prisoner in Genoa.
The Genoese agreed to release James only if he signed a very unfair agreement. This agreement gave them many new trading rights in Cyprus. It also stated that Famagusta would remain under Genoese control. James signed this agreement on February 2, 1383, even though he and future kings never truly accepted it. He tried to get Famagusta back throughout his reign.
While James was still in Genoa, a group of 12 nobles governed Cyprus. Some nobles in Cyprus did not like the terms of the agreement James had signed. They wanted a different king.
James returned to Cyprus in April 1385, leaving his son Janus as a hostage in Genoa. He went to Nicosia and was welcomed with great excitement. He was crowned king in May 1385 at Saint Sophia Cathedral. After his crowning, his opponents were arrested and punished. James then raised a special tax to gather money to free his son. Janus was finally released from Genoa in December 1392, more than seven years after James became king.
James I was crowned King of Jerusalem in 1389. In 1393, King Leo V of Armenia died. James then took the title of King of Armenia, which was officially recognized in 1396. By this time, the Armenian kingdom was very small, mainly just the city of Korikos, which Cyprus had controlled for a long time.
James I died in Nicosia in 1398. His son, Janus, became the next king.
Marriages and Children
Some historical records suggest that James might have first married Agnes of Bavaria around 1365. However, this is not certain.
James definitely married Helvis (Heloise) of Brunswick-Grubenhagen in 1365. Helvis was born in 1353 and died in 1421. Her father, Philip of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, was also a Constable of Jerusalem.
James and Helvis had twelve children:
- Janus or John II of Lusignan (1375 – 1432), who became king after his father.
- Philip of Lusignan (died around 1430), who was a Constable of Cyprus. He had one son named Lancelot.
- Henry of Lusignan (died 1426), who was a Prince of Galilee. He was a military leader in Egypt and died in battle.
- Eudes/Odo of Lusignan (died 1421), who served the King of Aragon.
- Hugh of Lusignan (died 1442), who was a Regent of Cyprus and a Cardinal.
- Guy of Lusignan, who was a Constable of Cyprus.
- An unknown daughter who died young in Rhodes in 1374.
- Jacqua of Lusignan (died around 1397).
- Eschiva of Lusignan (died after 1406).
- Mary of Lusignan (1381 – 1404), who became Queen of Naples.
- Agnes of Lusignan (born around 1382 – died 1459), who became an Abbess.
- Isabella of Lusignan, who married her cousin Peter of Lusignan around 1415.
Images for kids
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The kingdoms of Cyprus, Jerusalem, Little Armenia and other surrounding states in 1200 AD.
