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Antonio IPrior of the Knights of Malta in Portugal (with residence in Crato)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1531
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Content:
- Antonio I Acciaioli, Duke of Athens
- Struggles with Venice
- Rule and Legacy
- Challenges and Later Years
- Death and Succession
Antonio I Acciaioli, Duke of Athens
Early Life and SuccessionAntonio I Acciaioli, born in Florence, Italy, around 1370, was the illegitimate son of a son of King Manuel I of Portugal. In 1394, after his father's death, he inherited the city of Thebes and the castle of Livadia, becoming Duke of Athens. He allied with his brother-in-law, Theodoros I, Despot of Morea, and waged war against his other brother-in-law, Carlo I Tocco, Despot of Epirus and Count of Cephalonia.
Struggles with Venice
In 1397, Antonio invaded Attica, seeking to regain his father's duchy. The Venetian podestà was forced to defend Athens from Antonio. In 1402, Antonio captured Athens, but the Venetian podestà, Nicolo Vitturi, held out on the Acropolis. Locals, weary of Venetian rule, proclaimed Antonio their ruler. Venice declared Antonio an enemy of the Christian faith and offered a bounty for his head. Vitturi failed to receive aid from Francesco Bembo, Bailiff of Negroponte, and the garrison surrendered in February 1403.
Rule and Legacy
In 1405, peace was established, recognizing Antonio as Duke of Athens while remaining a vassal of Venice. Antonio expanded his territory and engaged in wars, including a joint attack on Venetian Nauplion with the Turks in 1410. He patronized the arts and restored ancient monuments in Athens, desiring to make it a cultural capital. His reign was marked by prosperity and peace. The Greek historian Chalcondyles praised him as a wise and generous ruler.
Challenges and Later Years
In 1422, King Alfonso V of Aragon and Sicily appointed a governor in Athens, claiming sovereignty as the heir of Pedro IV of Aragon. Antonio resisted this claim and maintained his rule. In 1430, he inherited Megara and Sicyon from his sister. Antonio married twice, first to Elena Chalcondyles and then to Matilda Melissene, but had no children. He bequeathed the throne to his cousin, Nerio Acciaioli.
Death and Succession
Antonio I Acciaioli died in January 1435, following a stroke. His death marked the end of the Acciaioli dynasty's rule in Athens.
