Louis II of Naples (b. 1377)

Louis II, a figure whose life (October 5, 1377 – April 29, 1417) was deeply intertwined with the political and dynastic struggles of late medieval Europe, held the titles of Duke of Anjou and Count of Provence from 1384 until his death. However, his most significant, and arguably most challenging, ambition was his persistent claim to the throne of the Kingdom of Naples. While he was recognized as its king by some and did indeed rule various parts of the kingdom for a period between 1390 and 1399, his claim was fiercely contested, leading to a complex and often turbulent reign.

The Inheritance and the Genesis of the Neapolitan Claim

The foundation of Louis II's claim to Naples lay in his distinguished ancestry. He was the son of Louis I of Anjou, the formidable founder of the House of Valois-Anjou. This powerful branch of the French royal family was established by Louis I, a younger son of King John II of France, famously known as "John the Good." The claim to Naples itself originated from Louis I's adoption by Queen Joanna I of Naples. Joanna, facing challenges to her rule and without a direct heir, chose Louis I as her successor, a move intended to secure the Angevin line in Naples. However, this adoption was highly contentious and set the stage for decades of conflict with rival claimants from other branches of the Angevin dynasty, particularly the Durazzo line.

When Louis I died during a demanding military campaign in Naples in 1384, young Louis II was still a child, merely seven years old. He inherited the rich Duchy of Anjou, a significant territory within the Kingdom of France, from his father. The prospect of continuing the costly war for Naples, however, proved a bridge too far for his mother, Marie of Blois. Despite her best efforts, she could not persuade Louis II’s powerful paternal uncles, John, Duke of Berry, and Philip II, Duke of Burgundy – both influential regents for the young King Charles VI of France during his minority and later during his periods of illness – to commit further resources to the Neapolitan venture. Their reluctance stemmed from the high financial and human cost of such distant campaigns, especially given the political instability within France itself.

Early Challenges and Consolidation of Power

Beyond the immediate struggle for Naples, Louis II also faced significant domestic challenges. The Provençal nobles and the burgeoning towns of Provence initially refused to acknowledge him as their legitimate ruler following his father's death. Provence, a strategically important region bordering the Mediterranean, had its own strong regional identity and a history of asserting its autonomy. It was through the exceptional political acumen and perseverance of his mother, Marie of Blois, that Louis II's authority was eventually secured. Between 1385 and 1387, Marie embarked on a tireless campaign of diplomacy and negotiation, one by one persuading the Provençal lords and communities to swear fealty to her young son, thereby solidifying his control over this vital territory.

The King of France's Support and Papal Coronation

A turning point in Louis II’s ambition for Naples came in 1389 when his cousin, King Charles VI of France, decided to lend his crucial support. This endorsement was critical, as it brought the immense prestige and resources of the French crown behind Louis II’s claim. The decision by Charles VI was partly influenced by the ongoing Western Schism, a complex period in Church history where two, and eventually three, rival popes claimed legitimacy. France, along with its allies, supported the Avignon Papacy, represented at the time by Antipope Clement VII. It was Clement VII who, in a significant act of political and spiritual endorsement, crowned Louis II king in Avignon on November 1, 1389. This coronation provided Louis II with a vital, albeit contested, religious legitimacy for his Neapolitan claim.

Following his coronation, Louis II, now bolstered by French backing and papal recognition, moved swiftly to Naples to assert his rule. His arrival marked the beginning of a complex period where the Kingdom of Naples effectively became a battleground, divided between Louis II and his formidable opponent, Ladislaus of Naples. Ladislaus belonged to the Durazzo branch of the Angevin dynasty, which also held a strong claim to the throne and had the support of the Roman Pope. Despite Louis II's initial successes, his troops could never fully occupy the entire kingdom, leading to a de facto partition where both claimants exercised authority over different regions, resulting in an ongoing, simmering conflict.

Shifting Tides and Expulsion from Naples

The political landscape, however, was prone to dramatic shifts. Louis II’s position in Naples was severely weakened by a growing conflict between France and Antipope Benedict XIII, who succeeded Clement VII in Avignon. France, weary of the schism and seeking a resolution, began to withdraw its obedience from Benedict XIII, effectively undermining the very source of Louis II's legitimacy and support. This diplomatic isolation, coupled with Ladislaus's relentless military campaigns and growing strength, proved insurmountable. In 1399, Ladislaus successfully forced Louis II to abandon Naples and retreat to Provence, ending his direct rule over any part of the Neapolitan kingdom. While Louis II would continue to press his claim throughout his life and his descendants would revive it, his active reign in Naples had come to an end.

FAQs

Who was Louis II's primary rival for the Kingdom of Naples?
Louis II's main rival was Ladislaus of Naples, who belonged to the Durazzo branch of the Angevin dynasty and also claimed the Neapolitan throne, supported by the Roman Pope.
Why was Louis II's claim to Naples contested?
His claim stemmed from his father Louis I's adoption by Queen Joanna I of Naples, a move that was challenged by other dynastic claimants, particularly the Durazzo line, who believed they had a more legitimate right to the succession.
What role did the Avignon Papacy play in Louis II's claim?
The Avignon Papacy, specifically Antipope Clement VII, was crucial. Clement VII crowned Louis II as king in Avignon, providing a vital, albeit contested, religious and political legitimacy for his claim, which was supported by France.
Did Louis II ever fully control the Kingdom of Naples?
No, Louis II never achieved full control of the entire Kingdom of Naples. His rule was limited to various contested regions between 1390 and 1399, with the kingdom practically divided between himself and his rival, Ladislaus.
What happened to Louis II after his expulsion from Naples in 1399?
After being forced to leave Naples by Ladislaus in 1399, Louis II returned to his ancestral territories of Anjou and Provence, which he continued to govern. Although his direct rule in Naples ended, he maintained his claim to the kingdom throughout his life, and his descendants, notably his son Louis III, would later revive attempts to secure the Neapolitan throne.
What was the House of Valois-Anjou?
The House of Valois-Anjou was a cadet branch of the French royal House of Valois, founded by Louis I of Anjou, the younger son of King John II of France. This powerful noble house held significant territories in France, notably Anjou and Provence, and made repeated claims to the Kingdom of Naples.