Maria of Aragon Facts for Kids

Maria of Aragon is a name shared by several important women throughout history, mostly princesses and queens connected to the Kingdom of Aragon. Aragon was a powerful kingdom in what is now Spain, existing from the 11th to the 18th centuries. These women played different roles, often through their marriages, which helped shape the politics and alliances of their time.

Queens and Princesses of Aragon
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Queens and Princesses of Aragon

Marie of Montpellier (1182–1213)

Marie of Montpellier was born around 1182. She became the wife of Peter II of Aragon, who was the King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona. Their marriage was important for linking the powerful families of Aragon and Montpellier. Marie was known for her strong will and for being the mother of James I of Aragon, who later became a very famous king.

Maria of Aragon (1248–1267)

This Maria of Aragon was a daughter of James I of Aragon and Violant of Hungary. She was born in 1248. Instead of marrying into another royal family, Maria chose a different path. She became a nun, dedicating her life to religious service. She passed away in 1267.

Marie of Lusignan, Queen of Aragon (1273–1319)

Marie of Lusignan was born in 1273. She came from the noble Lusignan family, who were important in the Kingdom of Cyprus. She married James II of Aragon, becoming the Queen of Aragon. Her marriage helped strengthen ties between Aragon and other Mediterranean kingdoms. She died in 1319.

Maria of Aragon (1299–1316)

Another Maria of Aragon was born in 1299. She was also a daughter of James II of Aragon. She married Infante Peter, who was the Lord of Cameros. Their marriage was part of the political arrangements of the time, creating alliances between noble families. She died at a young age in 1316.

Maria of Navarre (1329–1347)

Maria of Navarre was born in 1329. She was a princess from the Kingdom of Navarre. She became the first wife of Peter IV of Aragon, who was known as Peter the Ceremonious. Their marriage was significant for connecting the royal houses of Aragon and Navarre. She died in 1347.

Maria de Luna (1358–1406)

Maria de Luna was born in 1358. She was a very influential queen, married to Martin I of Aragon. She was known for her intelligence and her strong personality. Maria often advised her husband on important matters and even ruled Aragon as regent when he was away. She was also a patron of the arts and supported many cultural projects. She passed away in 1406.

Maria of Aragon, Queen of Castile (1396–1445)

Born in 1396, this Maria of Aragon was the daughter of Ferdinand I of Aragon. She married John II of Castile, becoming the Queen of Castile. Her marriage was a major event, as it united two of the most powerful kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula. She played an active role in the politics of Castile during her time as queen. She died in 1445.

Maria of Castile (1401–1458)

Maria of Castile was born in 1401. She was a princess from the Kingdom of Castile. She married Alfonso V of Aragon, who was also known as Alfonso the Magnanimous. As Queen of Aragon, she often acted as regent, governing the kingdom when her husband was away on military campaigns, especially in Italy. She was a capable ruler and died in 1458.

Maria of Aragon, Queen of Portugal (1482–1517)

Born in 1482, this Maria of Aragon was a very important princess. She was the daughter of the famous Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, who were known as the Catholic Monarchs. Maria became the second wife of Manuel I of Portugal. Her marriage helped strengthen the alliance between Spain and Portugal during the Age of Discovery. She had many children, including the future King John III of Portugal. She died in 1517.

Maria d'Aragona (1503–1568)

Maria d'Aragona was born in 1503. She was a noblewoman, the daughter of Ferdinando di Montalto. She became the Marchese of Vasto. Unlike the other Marias who were queens, she was a powerful figure in her own right through her noble title and family connections. She lived until 1568.

Maria of Aragon (1505–1558)

Born in 1505, this Maria of Aragon was a daughter of Joanna of Castile (often called Joanna the Mad) and Philip I of Castile. She was also the sister of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. She married Louis II of Hungary, becoming the Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Her marriage was part of the complex political landscape of Central Europe. After her husband's death, she became the governor of the Netherlands for her brother, Charles V, where she proved to be a very capable ruler. She died in 1558.

Maria of Aragon facts for kids

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