Secondotto facts for kids

Secondotto Palaeologus (also known as Otho or Ottone) was a ruler called the Margrave of Montferrat. He led Montferrat from 1372 until he died on December 16, 1378. He was the third ruler from the Palaeologus-Montferrat family.

His name Secondotto might mean he was the second Otto to rule Montferrat. However, he was actually the third Otto. It is more likely his name came from Saint Secundus, a special saint in Asti. His father considered Asti the main city of their land, called a marquisate. The name Otto might also honor Otto, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, who was a good friend of Secondotto's father.

Early Life and Family Connections

Secondotto was born around 1360. He was the first son of John II and Isabella of Majorca.

In December 1361, when Secondotto was very young, his father made a peace deal. This deal was with Galeazzo II Visconti, who was a co-ruler of Milan. As part of this agreement, Secondotto was promised to Galeazzo's four-year-old daughter, Maria.

The city of Asti was important to Galeazzo. It was agreed that Asti would be part of Maria's dowry, which is money or property given by the bride's family. But Montferrat would still control Asti. This peace did not last long, as Maria died in May of the next year.

Becoming a Ruler

Secondotto became the Margrave of Montferrat when he was about 12 years old. Because he was so young, he had help ruling. His uncle, Otto, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen, and Amadeus VI of Savoy were his co-regents. A regent is someone who rules for a child until they are old enough.

Secondotto's father had planned for his uncle to guide him until he was 25. However, Otto left in 1376. He went to Naples to marry Queen Joan I.

Challenges of Leadership

Without his uncle's help, Secondotto found it hard to rule. He decided to form an alliance, or a partnership, with the Visconti family. To do this, he married Violante on August 2, 1377. Violante was the daughter of Galeazzo II Visconti. She had also been married before to Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence. This alliance was meant to help Secondotto against the House of Savoy. The House of Savoy controlled areas like Piedmont and Achaea.

Conflict and Death

Otto of Brunswick's brother attacked and took control of Asti. Secondotto asked his father-in-law, Galeazzo Visconti, for help. Galeazzo sent a large army. They took Asti back, but then Milan kept control of it.

Secondotto soon realized that his alliance with Milan was dangerous. But it was too late. He gathered his own army and fought against the Milanese troops. He was defeated in battle.

Secondotto then went to a secret place. He died in Langhirano, near Parma, in unclear circumstances. He might have been hurt in a fight, or someone might have caused his death. His body was taken to Parma and buried in the cathedral.

When Secondotto's uncle, Otto of Brunswick, heard the news, he quickly returned to Montferrat. He helped Secondotto's brother, John III, become the new Margrave. Otto tried to get Asti back from Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but he was not successful.