William VIII, Marquis of Montferrat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William VIII, Marquis of Montferrat
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| Marquis of Montferrat | |
| Reign | 1464–1483 |
| Predecessor | John IV Palaiologos |
| Successor | Boniface III Palaiologos |
| Born | 19 July 1420 Casale Monferrato |
| Died | 27 February 1483 (aged 62) Casale Monferrato |
| Noble family | Palaeologus-Montferrat |
| Spouse(s) | Marie de Foix Elisabetta Sforza Bernarde de Brosse |
| Issue | Giovanna Blanche of Montferrat |
| Father | John Jacob, Marquis of Montferrat |
| Mother | Joanna of Savoy |
William VIII Palaiologos (born July 19, 1420 – died February 27, 1483) was an important ruler in Italy. He was the Marquis of Montferrat from 1464 until he passed away. A Marquis was a type of noble ruler, similar to a duke or count, who governed a specific territory called a marquisate.
William was the second son of Marquis John Jacob. He became the ruler of Montferrat after his older brother, John IV, died.
William's Life and Rule
William VIII was born in Casale Monferrato, a city in Italy. When he became Marquis, he worked to get back lands that Montferrat had lost. He managed to get back territories that had been taken by Savoy since 1435. This was made possible with the help of Emperor Frederick III.
William was also a skilled military leader. He worked as a condottiero, which was a captain who led a group of soldiers for hire. He served Francesco I Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Later, William became a teacher and guide for Francesco's son, Galeazzo Maria Sforza. After Galeazzo Maria died unexpectedly, William helped keep things calm and stable in the Duchy of Milan.
Family and Successors
William VIII married three times. His first wife was Marie de Foix, whom he married in 1465. After she passed away, he married Elisabetta Sforza in 1469. His third wife was Bernarde de Brosse, whom he married in 1474.
William did not have any sons who could legally inherit his title. However, he had two daughters from his second marriage:
- Giovanna, who married Ludovico II del Vasto, the Marquis of Saluzzo.
- Blanche of Montferrat, who married Charles I, the Duke of Savoy.
When William VIII died in Casale Monferrato in 1483, his younger brother, Boniface III, became the next Marquis of Montferrat.
