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Katerina KornaroQueen of the Kingdom of Cyprus from 1474 to 1489.
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Content:
- The Early Life of Caterina Cornaro
- Caterina's Marriage to James II of Cyprus
- Caterina's Reign as Regent and Queen
- Venetian Influence and Spanish Intrigues
- Caterina's Abdication and Legacy
The Early Life of Caterina Cornaro
Caterina Cornaro was born in Venice in 1454 into a prominent Venetian family. The Cornaro family was renowned for its four Doges of Venice, its illustrious sailors, and its extensive trading interests. Cyprus was a focal point of the family's commercial pursuits, and the Cornaros controlled multiple sugar mills on the island while exporting Cypriot goods to Venice and beyond.
Caterina's Marriage to James II of Cyprus
In 1472, James II, also known as James the Bastard, became King of Cyprus. In 1473, he sought to strengthen his alliance with Venice by marrying Caterina Cornaro, the daughter of Marco Cornaro. The 14-year-old Caterina's betrothal took place in Venice, where a proxy stood in for the groom. The lavish ceremony was held in the Doge's Palace, and Caterina's father granted her a vast dowry. Venice, in turn, secured the right to inherit the Kingdom of Cyprus if James and Caterina died without issue.
Caterina's Reign as Regent and Queen
In 1474, Caterina traveled to Cyprus with royal honors as the adopted daughter of Saint Mark. Less than a year later, James died, leaving Caterina as regent for his posthumous son, James III. Upon her son's mysterious death within a year, Cornaro became the undisputed Queen. At first, the kingdom was overseen by an eight-member Council, dominated by Spanish advisors to the late king. Caterina's uncle, Andrea Cornaro, served as the Council's head.
Venetian Influence and Spanish Intrigues
Spanish advisors, led by the Archbishop, resented the influence held by Caterina and the Venetians. In a bid to curtail Venetian power, they accused Andrea Cornaro and his allies of poisoning the king. The conspirators murdered Andrea and his nephew. In response, the Venetian Republic dispatched a squadron of ten ships to Cyprus. The arrival of the Venetian fleet forced the Spanish to flee the island, while their supporters were apprehended and executed by Admiral Pietro Mocenigo.
Caterina's Abdication and Legacy
From that point forward, Cyprus was effectively governed by a soothsayer and two Venetian advisors appointed by Doge Nicolò Marcello. Venetian advisors remained perpetually at Caterina's side, managing the affairs of the kingdom. The Venetian fleet was ever-ready to protect Cypriot interests.
In 1489, Caterina abdicated her throne and ceded the island to the Venetian Republic. She departed Cyprus on May 14, marking the end of the last Crusader state. As compensation, Caterina was bestowed with the seigniory of Asolo in the Venetian territory. Asolo flourished as a cultural center under Caterina's patronage. She resided in Asolo until her death in 1510. The poet Robert Browning immortalized Caterina in his drama "Pippa Passes," hailing her as "Queen Cat" who "refused a crown for a dowry in Asolo."