Charles I of Naples (b. 1226)

Charles I, famously known as Charles of Anjou, was a pivotal figure of the 13th century, a member of the esteemed royal Capetian dynasty of France, and the foundational figure of the second House of Anjou. His vast dominion and political influence spanned across numerous territories in both France and the Holy Roman Empire, as well as significant realms in Southern Europe.

Early Life and Ascendancy to Power

Born in early 1226 or 1227, Charles I was the youngest son of King Louis VIII of France and Queen Blanche of Castile. Initially, he was earmarked for a career within the Church, a common path for younger royal sons during that era, until the early 1240s when his destiny shifted dramatically towards secular rule and military conquest.

His strategic marriage in 1246 to Beatrice of Provence, the heiress to the rich counties of Provence and Forcalquier within the Holy Roman Empire, was the cornerstone of his territorial acquisitions. This union, however, immediately thrust him into conflict. His assertive attempts to consolidate central authority and diminish the traditional privileges of the local nobility brought him into direct confrontation with his formidable mother-in-law, Beatrice of Savoy, and the established Provençal aristocracy.

Further strengthening his position within France, Charles received the crucial counties of Anjou and Maine in appanage from his elder brother, King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis. This practice, common for French princes, granted them significant territories for their maintenance and power base. Demonstrating his loyalty and military prowess, Charles accompanied Louis IX on the ill-fated Seventh Crusade to Egypt (1248–1254). Upon his return to Provence in 1250, Charles swiftly asserted his dominance, compelling the three wealthy and historically autonomous cities of Marseilles, Arles, and Avignon to formally acknowledge his suzerainty, a clear demonstration of his determination to centralize power.

Consolidation of Influence and Expansion

His political acumen extended beyond his immediate domains. In 1253, Charles strategically supported Margaret II, Countess of Flanders and Hainaut, in her dynastic dispute against her eldest son, John. In exchange for his crucial aid, he was granted Hainaut. However, two years later, his influential brother Louis IX intervened, persuading Charles to relinquish his claim to the county. Louis IX ensured Charles was handsomely compensated for this concession, instructing Margaret to pay him a substantial sum of 160,000 marks, a testament to Charles's negotiating power and Louis's desire for stability within the French sphere of influence.

Charles continued to consolidate his power within the Kingdom of Arles, brutally forcing rebellious Provençal nobles and towns into submission and extending his suzerainty over more than a dozen additional towns and lordships, further cementing his authority in the region.

The Acquisition of the Kingdom of Sicily

A turning point in his career came in 1263. After years of intricate negotiations, Charles accepted a momentous offer from the Holy See: to seize the wealthy Kingdom of Sicily from the reigning Hohenstaufen dynasty, then represented by King Manfred. This vast kingdom, often referred to as the 'Regno,' encompassed not only the island of Sicily but also extensive territories in southern Italy, stretching significantly north of Naples. Pope Urban IV, seeking to curb Hohenstaufen power in Italy and secure a more loyal ally, declared a full-fledged crusade against the incumbent Manfred of Sicily and provided crucial financial and logistical support to Charles for this ambitious military undertaking.

Charles I was formally crowned King of Sicily in Rome on 5 January 1266, a significant endorsement from the Papacy. His subsequent military campaign was remarkably swift and decisive. He virtually annihilated Manfred's forces at the Battle of Benevento in February 1266, occupying the Regno with minimal resistance. Two years later, his decisive victory over Manfred's young nephew, Conradin, the last legitimate male Hohenstaufen, at the Battle of Tagliacozzo in August 1268, definitively crushed Hohenstaufen hopes of restoration and solidified Charles's grip on the kingdom.

Broadening Ambitions and Papal Relations

In 1270, Charles joined his brother Louis IX on the Eighth Crusade, targeting Tunis. There, he successfully compelled the Hafsid Caliph of Tunis to agree to a substantial yearly tribute, further enhancing his prestige and wealth. Charles's series of military triumphs and political influence firmly established his undisputed leadership among the Papacy's loyal Italian partisans, known as the Guelphs. However, his growing power, particularly his significant influence on papal elections and his formidable military presence across Italy, increasingly unnerved successive popes. In an effort to strategically redirect his formidable ambitions away from central Italy, they actively assisted him in acquiring claims to other important territories. This led to his becoming Prince of Achaea in 1278 through the Treaty of Viterbo, his proclamation as King of Albania in 1272, and his purchase of a claim to the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1277.

The Sicilian Vespers and Legacy

By 1281, Pope Martin IV, fully endorsing Charles's grand vision, authorized him to launch a large-scale crusade against the Byzantine Empire, aiming to restore the Latin Empire of Constantinople. Charles's formidable fleet and invasion forces were gathering in Messina, poised for the ambitious campaign, when a cataclysmic rebellion erupted. On 30 March 1282, the infamous Sicilian Vespers rebellion exploded in Palermo, quickly spreading across the entire island of Sicily. This devastating uprising effectively ended Charles's direct rule over the island, marking a dramatic turning point in his reign.

Despite this major setback, with the vital support of the French monarchy and the Holy See, Charles successfully defended his mainland territories, which subsequently became known as the Kingdom of Naples. Charles I died on 7 January 1285, still actively preparing for a resolute attempt to reclaim the island of Sicily, a testament to his persistent and ambitious nature and his relentless pursuit of imperial dominion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles I of Anjou

Who was Charles I of Anjou and what were his primary titles?

Charles I, also known as Charles of Anjou, was a prominent member of the Capetian royal dynasty and the founder of the second House of Anjou. His most significant titles included Count of Provence (1246–1285) and Forcalquier (1246–1248, 1256–1285) within the Holy Roman Empire, Count of Anjou and Maine (1246–1285) in France, King of Sicily (1266–1285), and Prince of Achaea (1278–1285). He also held claims as King of Albania (proclaimed 1272) and King of Jerusalem (purchased 1277).

How did Charles I acquire the Kingdom of Sicily?

Charles I acquired the Kingdom of Sicily (or the 'Regno,' which included southern Italy) in 1266 through an offer from the Holy See. Pope Urban IV, seeking to remove the Hohenstaufen dynasty (represented by King Manfred) from power in Italy, declared a crusade against Manfred and provided Charles with crucial financial and military support. Charles successfully defeated Manfred at the Battle of Benevento in 1266 and later crushed the last Hohenstaufen challenge led by Conradin at the Battle of Tagliacozzo in 1268.

What was the impact of the Sicilian Vespers rebellion on Charles I's rule?

The Sicilian Vespers rebellion, which began on 30 March 1282, was a major uprising that effectively ended Charles I's direct rule over the island of Sicily. While he lost control of the island, he managed to defend his mainland territories in southern Italy with the support of France and the Papacy. These mainland territories continued to be known as the Kingdom of Naples, effectively separating the island of Sicily from the mainland portion of the former Kingdom of Sicily.