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Gregory III of NaplesDuke of Naples in 864-870
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Gregory III, Duke of Naples
- Early Life and Co-rule
- Military Campaigns
- Reign as Duke
- Succession and Legacy
- Children
- - Sergius II: Duke of Naples from 870 to 877
Gregory III, Duke of Naples
Gregory III was a prominent ruler in the 9th century, serving as the Duke of Naples from 864 to 870.
Early Life and Co-rule
Born into the Neapolitan aristocratic family, Gregory III began his political career as a co-ruler with his father, Sergius I, from 850 to 864. This marked a departure from previous succession practices, as Gregory III became the first Neapolitan duke to inherit the throne through patrilineal descent.
Military Campaigns
Gregory III actively participated in military campaigns. In 859, he commanded a joint army of Naples, Gaeta, and Amalfi in an unsuccessful siege of Capua. His brother, Caesarius, was captured in the battle at the Theodomus Bridge, which took place on the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel.
Reign as Duke
Upon becoming duke, Gregory III continued his father's policies of balancing relations between the Western and Eastern Empires. In 866, he accompanied Emperor Louis II in a campaign against Capua. However, in 867, he recognized the suzerainty of Byzantine Emperor Basil I. This shift in allegiance was reflected on Neapolitan coinage, which began to bear the portrait of the Byzantine emperor.
Succession and Legacy
In January 870, Gregory III fell ill and passed the dukedom to his eldest son, Sergius II. He died in March of the same year. Gregory III's legacy included a skillful handling of political alliances and a lineage of descendants who continued to rule Naples.
Children
Gregory III's children played significant roles in Neapolitan history:
- Sergius II: Duke of Naples from 870 to 877
- Athanasius II: Bishop of Naples and Duke of Naples from 878 to 898- Stephen III: Bishop of Naples from 898
