Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy (d. 1383)

Amadeus VI (1334–1383), famously known as the Green Count (Italian: Il Conte Verde), held the prestigious title of Count of Savoy from 1343 until his passing on March 1, 1383. Born on January 4, 1334, he was the eldest son of Aymon, Count of Savoy, and Yolande Palaeologina of Montferrat, whose distinguished lineage linked him directly to the illustrious Byzantine imperial family. His distinctive moniker, "the Green Count," was derived from his profound and consistent preference for the color green, which he prominently displayed in his clothing, armor, and even the accoutrements of his horses and personal retinue, making him instantly recognizable in both court and on the battlefield.

Amadeus VI's early reign was governed by a regency, as he ascended to the countship at the tender age of nine. This period was overseen by a council that included his mother, Yolande Palaeologina, and his two paternal uncles, Louis of Savoy (Baron of Vaud) and Amadeus III of Geneva. However, at just fourteen years old in 1348, Amadeus boldly declared himself of age and assumed full control, swiftly demonstrating the forceful and resolute leadership that would define his remarkable forty-year rule. He was instrumental in consolidating Savoy's burgeoning influence, masterfully guiding it from a regionally significant state to a formidable political and military power within the complex landscape of medieval Europe.

The Consolidation of Power and Expansion of Savoyard Influence

Under the dynamic leadership of Amadeus VI, the County of Savoy, strategically positioned in the vital Western Alps and controlling crucial trade routes between France and Italy, experienced significant territorial expansion and internal consolidation. Amadeus skillfully balanced astute diplomatic maneuvering with decisive military action. He frequently acted as a mediator in major European disputes, including aspects of the protracted Hundred Years' War between England and France, thereby significantly enhancing Savoy's diplomatic standing on the continent. Militarily, he was relentless in suppressing rebellious local lords and centralizing authority, ensuring internal stability and cohesion within his domains. His well-executed campaigns led to the strategic acquisition of new territories, further solidifying Savoy's control over essential Alpine passes and trade arteries, which in turn boosted the county's wealth and geopolitical importance. Known for his adherence to chivalric ideals, he was also a patron of tournaments and jousts, which attracted knights and nobles from across Europe, further elevating his prestige.

The Crusade of 1366: A Defining Military Expedition Against the Ottomans

One of the most celebrated achievements of Amadeus VI's reign was his direct and courageous involvement in a significant crusade against the rapidly expanding Ottoman Turks in 1366. This critical expedition was partly initiated by the urgent pleas of his cousin, the beleaguered Byzantine Emperor John V Palaiologos, who faced existential threats from the encroaching Ottoman Empire, and also strongly encouraged by Pope Urban V, who sought to galvanize Western Christendom against the perceived Islamic advance into Europe. Leading a well-equipped naval fleet and ground forces, an endeavor often referred to as the Crusade of Savoy, Amadeus achieved notable, albeit ultimately temporary, successes:

Although this ambitious crusade did not permanently halt the Ottoman advance into Europe, it provided a crucial, albeit brief, respite for the struggling Byzantine Empire and powerfully underscored Amadeus VI's unwavering commitment to Christian solidarity and his remarkable military leadership on a pan-European scale. His reign profoundly cemented Savoy's position as a respected, influential, and powerful entity in medieval European politics, leaving a lasting legacy of centralized authority, territorial expansion, and a vibrant chivalric court.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amadeus VI, the Green Count

Why was Amadeus VI commonly referred to as the "Green Count"?
Amadeus VI earned his distinctive nickname, the "Green Count" (Il Conte Verde), due to his consistent and prominent use of the color green. He particularly favored green attire and ensured that his horses, squires, and even his entire retinue were often outfitted in green, which made him easily identifiable and created a memorable personal brand.
What was the significance of the County of Savoy during his reign?
During Amadeus VI's rule, the County of Savoy was a strategically vital state positioned in the Western Alps, controlling crucial trade and transit routes that connected France and Italy. Under his leadership, it emerged as a significant political and military power, playing a pivotal role in regional diplomacy and benefiting greatly from its control over these key alpine passes.
What was Amadeus VI's most significant military undertaking?
One of Amadeus VI's most renowned military campaigns was his leadership of a major crusade against the expanding Ottoman Turks in 1366. During this expedition, he achieved a significant strategic victory by recapturing Gallipoli from the Ottomans and successfully secured the release of his cousin, the Byzantine Emperor John V Palaiologos, who had been captured by Bulgarian forces.
How did Amadeus VI impact Savoy's standing in Europe?
Amadeus VI dramatically elevated Savoy's standing in Europe by effectively centralizing power within his domains, expanding its territories through both decisive military campaigns and shrewd diplomatic alliances, and actively mediating in major European conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War. His forty-year reign firmly established Savoy as a respected and influential player on the European stage, recognized for its strong military capabilities and effective diplomacy.