John II of Aragon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John II |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
John as a Knight of the Golden Fleece
Miniature from the southern Netherlands, 1473 |
|
| King of Aragon (more...) | |
| Reign | 27 June 1458 – 20 January 1479 |
| Predecessor | Alfonso V |
| Successor | Ferdinand II |
| King of Sicily | |
| Reign | 27 June 1458 – 1468 |
| Predecessor | Alfonso |
| Successor | Ferdinand II |
| King of Navarre | |
| Reign | 8 September 1425 – 20 January 1479 (Contested by Charles IV or Blanche II from 1441 to 1464) |
| Predecessor | Blanche I |
| Successor | Eleanor |
| Alongside | Blanche I (until 1441) |
| Born | 29 June 1398 Medina del Campo |
| Died | 20 January 1479 (aged 80) Barcelona |
| Burial | Poblet Monastery |
| Spouse | Blanche I of Navarre Juana Enríquez |
| Issue Detail |
|
| House | Trastámara |
| Father | Ferdinand I of Aragon |
| Mother | Eleanor of Alburquerque |
John II (born 29 June 1398 – died 20 January 1479) was a powerful king in the 1400s. He was known as the Great or the Faithless. John ruled as King of Aragon from 1458 until his death in 1479.
He also became King of Navarre in 1425 because he was married to Queen Blanche I of Navarre. He held this title until 1479. For a time, John was also King of Sicily, from 1458 to 1468.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Power
John was born in Medina del Campo, a town in the Crown of Castile. His parents were King Ferdinand I of Aragon and Eleanor of Alburquerque. As a young prince, he was involved in the political struggles of Castile. This happened during the time when John II of Castile was a child and later when he was king.
For much of his life, John served as a top official in Aragon. He was the lieutenant-general for his older brother, Alfonso V. Alfonso spent most of his reign in Italy, so John managed things at home.
Challenges and Conflicts
As John grew older, he faced many challenges. He had constant disagreements with his own people in Aragon and Catalonia. He also had conflicts with Louis XI of France, the King of France.
A major goal for John was to arrange the marriage of his son, Ferdinand, to Isabella I of Castile. This marriage was very important. It would eventually unite the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile, forming what we know today as Spain.
Many of John's problems with his subjects were linked to sad family disputes.
Family Troubles and Civil War
John's first wife was Blanche I of Navarre. Through her, he became King of Navarre. When Blanche died in 1441, John kept control of the kingdom for his lifetime.
They had a son named Charles. Charles was the rightful heir to Navarre and was given the title "Prince of Viana." However, John quickly became jealous of his son.
After John married his second wife, Juana Enríquez, his dislike for Charles grew into strong hatred. Juana encouraged this bad feeling. John tried to stop Charles from being the lieutenant-general of Aragon. But the people of Aragon supported Charles. They stopped the king's attempt to make his second wife the lieutenant-general instead.
This led to a long and difficult conflict known as the Navarrese Civil War. There were many battles, with wins and losses for both sides. The war finally ended when Prince Charles died in 1461.
The people of Catalonia had supported Charles. They also had their own complaints against John. Because of this, they invited other foreign leaders to claim the throne during the Catalan Civil War. John spent his final years fighting against these challengers.
He was even forced to give up Roussillon, a territory near the Pyrenees mountains, to King Louis XI of France. The French king then refused to give it back.
Later Years and Legacy
In his old age, John became blind due to cataracts. But he regained his sight after an operation performed by his Jewish doctor, Abiathar Crescas.
The Catalan revolt finally ended peacefully in 1472. However, John continued to fight a war against the French king until his death in 1479. He often faced setbacks in this war.
John was succeeded by Ferdinand, his son from his second marriage. Ferdinand was already married to Isabella I of Castile. With John's death and Ferdinand's rule, the process of uniting Spain under one royal family truly began.
Family and Children
John II had children from his two marriages.
From his first marriage to Blanche I of Navarre, John had the following children:
- Charles, Prince of Viana (1421–1461)
- Juana (1423–1425)
- Blanche II of Navarre (1424–1464)
- Eleanor of Navarre (1426-1479)
Children with Juana Enríquez
.jpg)
From his second marriage to Juana Enríquez, John had these children:
- Ferdinand II of Aragon (1452-1516). He married Isabella I of Castile.
- Joanna of Aragon (1455–1517). She married Ferdinand I of Naples.
Other Children
John also had other children:
- Alfonso de Aragón y de Escobar (1417-1495), who became the Duke of Villahermosa.
- Juan de Aragón (1440–1475), who became the Archbishop of Zaragoza.
- Felipe de Carrayos del Radona.
See also
In Spanish: Juan II de Aragón para niños
