Simone Doria (admiral) facts for kids
Simone Doria (born around 1135) was a very important person from Genoa, an old city-state in Italy. He was a successful merchant, a smart politician, and a brave admiral. He belonged to the powerful Doria family, which was well-known in Genoa.
Simone Doria was the son of Ansaldo Doria and Anna Grimaldi. He grew up in a time when Genoa was a busy trading center.
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Who Was Simone Doria?
Simone Doria was a key figure in Genoa during the 12th and 13th centuries. He played many roles, from trading goods to leading ships in battle. His family, the Doria family, was one of the most powerful and influential groups in Genoa. They were known for their wealth and their involvement in politics and the navy.
A Leader in Genoa: The Consul Role
In Genoa, a "consul" was like a top leader or a mayor. Simone Doria was chosen to be a consul six times between the years 1175 and 1188. This shows how much the people of Genoa trusted him and how important he was in their government. Being a consul meant he helped make important decisions for the city.
In 1189, Simone Doria was given a very important job: he became an admiral. An admiral is a high-ranking commander in the navy, in charge of many ships and sailors. This role meant he would lead Genoa's powerful fleet in battles and important missions across the sea.
Helping at the Siege of Acre
One of Simone Doria's first big missions as an admiral was in 1190. He led a fleet of Genoese ships to help the army of Philip Augustus, who was the King of France. They were fighting in the Siege of Acre, which was a major battle during the Third Crusade. His ships helped support the troops on land.
Leading the Fleet at Damietta
Later, in 1219, Simone Doria led the Genoese fleet again. This time, they were involved in the Siege of Damietta. This was another important battle, part of the Fifth Crusade. Simone Doria's leadership helped the Genoese forces in this long and difficult siege.
Simone Doria's Family and Legacy
Simone Doria had three sons who are known to history. His son Andrea married into the ruling family of Logudoro, an important area in Sardinia. Another son, Pietro, fought alongside his father at the Siege of Damietta. His third son was named Niccolò. Simone Doria's actions as a merchant, politician, and admiral helped shape Genoa's power and influence during his time.
