Charles II of Naples (b. 1254)

Charles II, a pivotal figure in late 13th and early 14th-century European politics, was widely known as Charles the Lame. This distinctive epithet, rendered as Charles le Boiteux in French and Carlo lo Zoppo in Italian, speaks to a personal characteristic that set him apart. Born in 1254, his life spanned a transformative period until his death on 5 May 1309. His reign saw him hold numerous significant titles: King of Naples, Count of Provence and Forcalquier (from 1285 to 1309), Prince of Achaea (from 1285 to 1289), and Count of Anjou and Maine (from 1285 to 1290). Beyond these substantial territories, he also adopted the title of King of Albania and maintained a claim to the prestigious Kingdom of Jerusalem, both from 1285.

Charles II was the son of one of the most formidable European monarchs of his era, Charles I of Anjou, and Beatrice of Provence. His father, a figure of immense power in the second half of the 13th century, carefully groomed his heir. In 1272, Charles II was granted the Principality of Salerno within the expansive Kingdom of Sicily, often simply referred to as the Regno. His administrative responsibilities grew further in 1279 when his father appointed him as regent for the important territories of Provence and Forcalquier, providing him with valuable experience in governance.

The Sicilian Vespers and its Aftermath

The political landscape of Southern Italy was irrevocately altered by the dramatic uprising known as the Sicilian Vespers in 1282. This rebellion, directed against Charles I of Anjou's rule, led to the island of Sicily asserting its independence and coming under the dominion of Peter III of Aragon. This event effectively split the historic Kingdom of Sicily into two distinct entities: the island kingdom of Sicily, and the mainland portion which subsequently became known as the Kingdom of Naples.

Just a year after this momentous separation, in 1283, Charles I appointed his son, Charles II, as regent for the mainland territories of the Regno, or the Kingdom of Naples. Faced with a populace weary from conflict and heavy taxation, Charles II immediately sought to stabilize the region. He convened a general assembly where he made popular reforms, notably abolishing several unpopular taxes and reaffirming the traditional liberties of the nobility and clergy, actions designed to secure loyalty and reduce internal strife.

Challenges and Capture

Despite these conciliatory efforts, Charles II faced formidable external threats. He was unable to prevent the Aragonese forces, skilled in naval warfare and led by adept commanders, from occupying strategic territories such as Calabria and several islands within the Gulf of Naples. The conflict escalated dramatically in 1284. In a significant naval engagement near Naples, Charles II's forces were decisively defeated by the renowned Sicilian admiral, Roger of Lauria. During this battle, Charles II himself was captured, a humiliating blow to the Angevin dynasty.

His imprisonment coincided with a crucial moment in his destiny. On 7 January 1285, while Charles II remained captive, his powerful father, Charles I of Anjou, passed away. With the rightful heir to the Angevin realms still incarcerated, regents were appointed to govern his vast territories until his eventual release and official assumption of power, marking a tumultuous start to what would become a significant reign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Charles II?
Charles II, also known as Charles the Lame, was a prominent European monarch born in 1254 who reigned as King of Naples, Count of Provence and Forcalquier, Prince of Achaea, and Count of Anjou and Maine, in addition to claiming the Kingship of Albania and Jerusalem.
Why was he called "Charles the Lame"?
He acquired the epithet "Charles the Lame" (French: Charles le Boiteux; Italian: Carlo lo Zoppo) due to a physical disability, although the specific nature or cause of his lameness is not detailed in historical records as widely as the epithet itself.
What was the Sicilian Vespers?
The Sicilian Vespers was a major rebellion that erupted in 1282 against the rule of Charles I of Anjou in Sicily. It resulted in the island of Sicily breaking away to form an independent kingdom under Peter III of Aragon, fundamentally altering the political geography of Southern Italy.
How did the Sicilian Vespers affect Charles II's succession?
The Sicilian Vespers led to the division of his father's Kingdom of Sicily. After the revolt, Charles II was appointed regent of the mainland portion, which became known as the Kingdom of Naples, setting the stage for his eventual kingship there.
What was the "Regno"?
The "Regno" is an Italian term referring to "the Kingdom," in this historical context, it specifically designated the Kingdom of Sicily. After the Sicilian Vespers in 1282, the mainland portion of this kingdom, ruled by the Angevins, continued to be referred to as the Regno or the Kingdom of Naples.
Who was Charles I of Anjou?
Charles I of Anjou was Charles II's father, a highly influential and powerful European monarch in the second half of the 13th century, who established the Angevin dynasty's dominance over much of Southern Italy and beyond.
How did Charles II become King of Naples if he was imprisoned?
Charles II inherited his titles, including the Kingdom of Naples, upon the death of his father, Charles I, in 1285. While he was indeed imprisoned at the time, his realms were governed by regents until his eventual release and formal assumption of power.