John II of Cyprus facts for kids

John II (born May 16, 1418 – died July 28, 1458) was an important ruler in the 15th century. He was the King of Cyprus and also held the title of King of Armenia. On top of that, he was known as the titular King of Jerusalem from 1432 to 1458. Before becoming king, he was a titular Prince of Antioch.

A King's Life and Family

John was born in Nicosia on May 16, 1418. His father was King Janus of Cyprus, and his mother was Charlotte of Bourbon.

John married twice. His first wife was Amadea Palaiologina of Monferrato. They got married sometime between 1435 and 1440. Amadea was the daughter of John Jacob Palaiologos, who was a Marquess. John and Amadea did not have any children together.

His second wife was Helena Palaiologina. She was a distant relative of his first wife. Helena was the only child of Theodore II Palaiologos, who was a Despot of the Morea.

John's Children

With his second wife, Helena, John had two daughters:

• Charlotte: She later became the Queen of Cyprus. Charlotte married Prince John of Antioch. They did not have any children.
• Cleopha of Lusignan: She sadly died when she was very young.

John also had an illegitimate son with a woman named Marietta de Patras:

• James II: He later became the King of Cyprus.

Challenges During John's Rule

John died in Nicosia on July 28, 1458. After his death, his daughter Charlotte took over the throne.

During John's time as king, Cyprus lost an important stronghold. This was Corycus, which was the only Cypriot fort located on the mainland of Anatolia. It was taken by the Karamanids in 1448.

The Story of Prince James

John appointed his son James as the Archbishop of Nicosia when James was only 16 years old. However, James got into serious trouble and was removed from his position as Archbishop.

Later, his father, King John, forgave him and gave him back his Archbishop title. James and Queen Helena, John's wife, were not friends. They often tried to influence King John. After Helena died in 1458, it seemed like John might make James his successor. However, King John died before he could make this official.

The coat-of-arms of the Lusignan family, who ruled Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Lesser Armenia.

See also

In Spanish: Juan II de Chipre para niños