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Giovanna IIQueen of Naples
Date of Birth: 25.06.1373
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Giovanna II of Naples: A Controversial Reign
- First Marriage and the Duke of Austria
- Second Marriage and Abandonment
- The Claim of Louis III of Anjou
- Adoption of Alfonso V of Aragon
- Alliance with Louis of Anjou
- The End of the Durazzo Reign
Giovanna II of Naples: A Controversial Reign
Early Life and SuccessionGiovanna II was born on February 25, 1373, as the daughter of King Charles III of Naples. She inherited the throne in 1414, at the age of 41, after the death of her brother, Ladislaus.
First Marriage and the Duke of Austria
In 1386, Giovanna married William of Austria, Duke of Austria. However, William died in 1406, leaving Giovanna a widow.
Second Marriage and Abandonment
In 1415, Giovanna remarried to Jacques II de Bourbon, Count of La Marche. However, Jacques soon abandoned her and returned to France.
The Claim of Louis III of Anjou
Louis III of Anjou, the Duke of Anjou, claimed the throne of Naples based on the will of Joanna I. In 1420, he invaded Naples, forcing Giovanna to seek help from King Alfonso V of Aragon.
Adoption of Alfonso V of Aragon
Giovanna adopted Alfonso V as her heir in 1421, hoping to secure his support against Louis of Anjou. Alfonso began restoring order to the kingdom, but his imprisonment of Giovanna's lover, Sergianni Caracciolo, led to her declaring Louis of Anjou as her heir instead.
Alliance with Louis of Anjou
With Louis of Anjou's help, Giovanna regained control of her kingdom. Upon Louis' death, she appointed his brother, René the Good, as her successor.
The End of the Durazzo Reign
Giovanna's death in 1435 marked the end of the Durazzo branch of the Angevin dynasty that had ruled Naples since the 13th century. She was succeeded by René the Good, who faced ongoing challenges from the claimants to the throne.
