The Duke of Anjou, King of Naples and Jerusalem, and Count of Provence, who ruled parts of southern Italy and France in the 14th century, known for his military campaigns and territorial expansions.
Louis II of Anjou, also known as Louis of Anjou, was a powerful and ambitious duke who claimed the Kingdom of Naples and ruled parts of it from 1390 to 1399. As the Duke of Anjou and Count of Provence, Louis II was a prominent figure in medieval European politics, known for his military campaigns and his rivalry with Ladislaus of Naples.
Louis II was born on October 5, 1377, to Louis I of Anjou and Marie of Blois. His father, Louis I, was a younger son of King John II of France and the adopted son of Queen Joanna I of Naples. When Louis I died during a military campaign in Naples in 1384, Louis II inherited Anjou and claimed the Kingdom of Naples.
Although Louis II was still a child when he inherited Anjou, his mother, Marie of Blois, played a crucial role in securing his claim to Naples. She persuaded the Provençal nobles and towns to swear fealty to Louis II between 1385 and 1387. In 1389, King Charles VI of France decided to support Louis II's bid for Naples, and Antipope Clement VII crowned him king in Avignon.
Louis II's troops occupied parts of the Kingdom of Naples, but they could not conquer the whole kingdom. This led to a division of the kingdom between Louis II and his opponent, Ladislaus of Naples. The conflict between Antipope Benedict XIII and France weakened Louis II's position, and he was eventually forced to leave Naples for Provence in 1399.
Louis II's claim to the Kingdom of Naples and his military campaigns had significant implications for the politics of medieval Europe. His rivalry with Ladislaus reflected the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the royal houses of Europe. Despite his failure to conquer the whole kingdom, Louis II's ambition and military prowess earned him a place in the annals of history.
Louis II was married to Yolande of Aragon, and they had five children together. His family played a crucial role in maintaining his claim to Naples and supporting his military campaigns.
Louis II's legacy extends beyond his military campaigns and political ambitions. He was a patron of the arts and a supporter of learning, and his court attracted scholars and poets from across Europe. His cultural legacy reflects the rich cultural heritage of medieval Europe, a time of great intellectual and artistic flourishing.
Born in 1409
A claimant to the throne of Naples, he was a patron of the arts and a poet, known for his cultural achievements and literary works.
