Louis, Duke of Durazzo facts for kids
Louis of Évreux (also known as "Louis of Navarre") was a prince born in 1341. He was the youngest son of King Philip III and Queen Joan II of Navarre. When he was just two years old (in 1343), he inherited the area called the County of Beaumont-le-Roger from his father. Later, in 1366, he became the Duke of Durazzo because of his marriage to Joanna, who was the Duchess of Durazzo.
Contents
A Prince's Early Life and First Marriage
Louis of Évreux was born into a royal family. His parents were important rulers in the Kingdom of Navarre. In 1358, Louis got married for the first time to a woman named Maria de Lizarazu. He also played a part in a war alongside his brother, King Charles II of Navarre. They fought against the Dauphin Charles, who would later become King Charles V of France.
Becoming the Duke of Durazzo
Louis's second marriage was very important for his future. He married Joanna, who was the Duchess of Durazzo. This marriage gave him claims to the Duchy of Durazzo and the Kingdom of Albania. These lands were in a region that is now part of modern-day Albania. Louis wanted to get these lands back, as they were controlled by a powerful lord named Charles Thopia at the time.
The Fight for Albania
To reclaim Durazzo, Louis needed help. Both his brother, the King of Navarre, and the King of France supported his efforts. In 1372, Louis brought a group of skilled soldiers, known as the Navarrese Company, to Albania. These soldiers had fought with him in France. Their numbers grew even larger in 1375 when more recruits arrived directly from Navarre.
Many old documents show how carefully Louis planned this military operation. There was a lot of detailed work involved in preparing for the fight. The planning paid off! Louis and his army successfully captured the city of Durazzo in the middle of 1376. Sadly, Louis died shortly after this victory.
His Family Legacy
Louis of Évreux had a son named Carlos de Beaumont. Even though Carlos was born outside of marriage, he became the founder of an important family line called the House of Beaumont. This family would later play a major role in the Navarrese Civil War in the next century.
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Sources
- Setton, Kenneth M., ed. (1975). A History of the Crusades, Volume III: The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries. Madison and London: University of Wisconsin Press. ISBN 0-299-06670-3. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/History.CrusThree.
