Martino Zaccaria, Genoese Lord of Chios

Martino Zaccaria, a prominent figure from the influential Genoese Zaccaria family, held the significant title of Lord of Chios from 1314 to 1329. His dominion extended beyond this vital Aegean island, encompassing the governance of several other strategically important Aegean islands, alongside his hereditary baronies of Veligosti–Damala and Chalandritsa within the Latin Principality of Achaea on the Greek mainland. The Zaccaria family leveraged their control over Chios, a crucial hub for trade and the lucrative alum mines, to solidify Genoa's mercantile and political influence across the Eastern Mediterranean.

A Champion Against Turkish Corsairs and Imperial Recognition

Martino Zaccaria distinguished himself profoundly through his relentless and effective campaigns against the growing menace of Turkish corsairs in the Aegean Sea. These piratical activities, frequently launched from emerging Anatolian beyliks, most notably the Emirate of Aydin under Umur Bey, severely disrupted vital Christian shipping lanes and trade routes. His exceptional naval prowess and commitment to maritime security garnered him considerable renown. As a testament to his crucial efforts and perhaps as a strategic move to reinforce Latin power in the East, he received the grandiloquent, albeit titular, dignity of "King and Despot of Asia Minor" from Philip II, the titular Latin Emperor of Constantinople. This honor, while not conferring actual territorial rule over Anatolia, symbolically acknowledged his role as a formidable bulwark against Turkish expansion and his substantial influence in the region.

Deposition from Chios and Imprisonment

Martino Zaccaria's rule over Chios concluded abruptly in 1329 when he was deposed by a decisive Byzantine expedition. This military action was spearheaded by Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos, marking a significant strategic effort by the revitalized Byzantine Empire to reclaim territories previously controlled by Latin powers and to diminish the extensive Genoese influence in the Aegean. Following his overthrow, Martino Zaccaria was captured and subsequently imprisoned in Constantinople, the Byzantine capital, where he remained incarcerated until 1337. His eight-year captivity underscored the shifting power dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Byzantine Empire's determination to reassert control over key islands like Chios.

Return to Diplomacy and Command in the Smyrniote Crusade

Upon his release from imprisonment in 1337, Martino Zaccaria returned to Italy. Despite his earlier setback, his reputation and diplomatic skills remained highly valued within Genoese political circles. He was promptly appointed as the Genoese ambassador to the Holy See, a significant role that attested to his continued standing and the trust placed in him to represent Genoa's interests at the highest echelons of European ecclesiastical and political authority. His strategic importance was further highlighted in 1343 when he was named commander of the Papal squadron for the Smyrniote Crusade. This major international military enterprise, orchestrated primarily by Pope Clement VI, Venice, the Knights Hospitaller, and Cyprus, aimed to counter the aggressive naval expansion of Umur Bey, the powerful Emir of Aydin, who had established Smyrna as a formidable naval base.

The Storming of Smyrna and His Tragic End

Martino Zaccaria played a pivotal role in the Smyrniote Crusade, actively participating in the successful storming and capture of Smyrna's lower city and port in October 1344. This crucial victory severely hampered Umur Bey's naval capabilities and provided the crusading forces with a vital strategic foothold. However, the hard-won gains proved precarious. On 17 January 1345, during a period of celebration or inspection following the capture, Martino Zaccaria, alongside several other key leaders of the crusade – including Henry of Asti, the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople, and Peter Cornaro, the Venetian commander – was tragically killed in a sudden and fierce Turkish counter-attack. This devastating loss underscored the persistent threat posed by Umur Bey's forces and the inherent dangers of maintaining the crusader's precarious position in Smyrna.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Martino Zaccaria

Who was Martino Zaccaria?
Martino Zaccaria was a prominent Genoese nobleman, military leader, and a significant figure in medieval Aegean politics, serving as Lord of Chios and a key opponent of Turkish piratical activities.
What territories did Martino Zaccaria rule?
He ruled Chios and several other Aegean islands, in addition to holding baronies such as Veligosti–Damala and Chalandritsa within the Latin Principality of Achaea.
Why was he granted the title "King and Despot of Asia Minor"?
This titular honor was bestowed upon him by Philip II, the titular Latin Emperor of Constantinople, in recognition of his significant naval efforts and successes against Turkish corsairs in the Aegean Sea.
How did Martino Zaccaria lose control of Chios?
He was deposed from his rule by a Byzantine expedition led by Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos in 1329, marking a Byzantine effort to reassert control over their former territories, and was subsequently imprisoned in Constantinople.
What was the Smyrniote Crusade and Martino Zaccaria's role in it?
The Smyrniote Crusade was a Papal-initiated military campaign (1343-1345) involving an alliance of Christian powers, including Genoa, Venice, and the Knights Hospitaller, aimed at countering Umur Bey of Aydin. Martino Zaccaria commanded the Papal squadron and played a crucial role in the storming and capture of the lower city of Smyrna.
How did Martino Zaccaria die?
He was tragically killed during a surprise Turkish counter-attack on 17 January 1345 in Smyrna, alongside other crusade leaders, shortly after the successful capture of the city's port area.