Rainier I of Monaco, Lord of Cagnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rainier I |
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| Lord of Cagnes | |
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| Rainier I of Monaco. | |
| Spouse(s) | Salvatica del Carretto Andriola Grillo |
| Issue | |
| Charles I, Lord of Monaco Vinciguerra of Monaco Salvaggia of Monaco Luca, Lord of Villefranche |
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| Noble family | Grimaldi |
| Father | Lanfranco Grimaldi |
| Mother | Aurelia del Carretto |
| Born | c. 1267 Genoa, Republic of Genoa |
| Died | 1314 (aged 46–47) Naples, Kingdom of Naples |
Rainier I of Monaco (born around 1267, died 1314) was a very important person in the history of Monaco. He was the first ruler from the Grimaldi family to govern the area we now know as Monaco. He was also known as the Lord of Cagnes. In 1309, he built a strong castle in the town of Cagnes. This castle is still there today and is called the Château Grimaldi.
Rainier I was also a Baron in San Demetrio, which was part of the Kingdom of Naples.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Rainier I was the oldest of three sons. His father was Lanfranco Grimaldi, who was a French clergyman and an official in Provence. His mother was Aurelia del Carretto. After Rainier's father died, his mother Aurelia married her husband's cousin, François Grimaldi. François would later play a big part in Rainier's life.
Taking the Rock of Monaco
In 1297, Rainier I joined his stepfather, François Grimaldi, and a group of men. They planned to take over the castle on the Rock of Monaco. This event is very famous in Monaco's history. It is even shown on the Monegasque coat of arms. The coat of arms shows two monks holding swords. This is because François Grimaldi dressed up as a monk to trick the guards and open the castle gates.
Rainier I held control of the Monaco castle for four years. He left the castle on April 10, 1301.
Admiral of France
Rainier I was a skilled leader and fighter. In 1304, he was given an important job: Admiral of France. This meant he was a top commander in the French navy. He earned this title after winning a big naval battle called the Battle of Zierikzee.
Family Life
Rainier I was married two times.
First Marriage
His first wife was Salvatica del Carretto. She was the daughter of Giacomo del Carretto, who was a powerful leader in Finale. Rainier and Salvatica had four children together:
- Charles I: He became the next ruler of Monaco after his father.
- Vinciguerra: He married a woman named Costanza Ruffa.
- Salvaggia: She married Gabriele Vento.
- Luca: He became the Lord of Villefranche. Luca married twice. His first wife was Tedise, and his second wife was Caterina Caracciolo.
Second Marriage
Rainier I's second wife was Andriola Grillo. They did not have any children together.
See also
In Spanish: Raniero I de Gagnes para niños
