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.
Ren of Anjou, also known as René I, was a prominent figure in 15th-century Europe, reigning as King of Naples from 1435 to 1442 and Count of Provence from 1434 to 1480. He was a member of the House of Valois-Anjou, a cadet branch of the French royal house, and is remembered as the Good King Ren in France.
Ren was born on January 16, 1409, in the castle of Angers, to Duke Louis II of Anjou, King of Naples, and Yolanda of Aragon. He was the second son, with an elder brother, Louis III, and a sister, Marie of Anjou, who would later marry Charles VII and become Queen of France.
In 1419, at just ten years old, Ren was married to Isabella, the elder daughter of Charles II, Duke of Lorraine. He was brought up in Lorraine under the guardianship of Charles II and Louis, cardinal of Bar, both of whom were attached to the Burgundian party. However, Ren did not sympathize with the Burgundians and eventually joined the French army at Reims in 1429, where he was present at the consecration of Charles VII.
When Louis of Bar died in 1430, Ren inherited the duchy of Bar. The following year, he succeeded to the duchy of Lorraine after the death of his father-in-law. The inheritance was contested by Antoine de Vaudemont, who, with Burgundian help, challenged Ren's claim. However, Ren emerged victorious and solidified his hold on the duchies.
In 1435, Ren was crowned King of Naples, a title he held until 1442 when he was deposed. During his reign, he worked to strengthen the kingdom and promote trade and commerce.
After his deposition from the Neapolitan throne, Ren spent the remainder of his life in Aix-en-Provence, where he died on July 10, 1480. He is remembered as the Good King Ren, a just and fair ruler who worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of his people.
Ren was known for his strong sense of justice and fairness, which guided his decisions as a ruler. He was also a patron of the arts and encouraged the development of culture and education in his territories.
Ren's legacy can be seen in the cultural and artistic developments of the Renaissance, which he helped to promote through his patronage of artists and scholars. He also played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of 15th-century Europe.
Ren's reign as King of Naples was marked by significant achievements, including the strengthening of the kingdom's economy and the promotion of trade and commerce. He also commissioned several notable architectural projects, including the Castel Nuovo in Naples.
Ren was known for his love of tournaments and was an accomplished knight. He also had a keen interest in literature and was a patron of the famous poet, Antoine de La Sale.
Born in 1377
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.
Born in 1403
Claimant to the throne of Naples and titular King of Jerusalem, known for his involvement in the complex web of alliances and rivalries between European royal houses.
Born in 1430
Wife of King Henry VI of England, she played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, leading the Lancastrian faction and fighting for her husband's claim to the throne.
