Albert Pallavicini, Margrave of Bodonitza

Albert Pallavicini, known in Italian as Alberto Pallavicini, held the prestigious title of the fifth Marquess of Bodonitsa, a significant Crusader state in medieval Greece. His tenure as marquess began upon the death of his father, Thomas Pallavicini, and continued until his own demise in the year 1311. Thomas, his father, was himself a great-nephew of Guy, the first Marquess of Bodonitsa, establishing a clear dynastic line within this Frankish lordship.

The Reign of Albert Pallavicini: Family and Territory

Albert Pallavicini's personal life further solidified his standing among the nobility of the era. He married Maria dalle Carceri, a distinguished Venetian noblewoman whose family hailed from Euboea, a large island in the Aegean Sea. This strategic marriage brought more than just an alliance; through it, Albert managed to acquire a valuable sixth share of the very island of Euboea, significantly expanding his family's influence and territorial holdings.

A Loyal Vassal in the Principality of Achaea

Throughout his rule, Albert Pallavicini was recognized as a steadfast and loyal vassal to the powerful Princes of Achaea, key figures in the broader Latin Empire established after the Fourth Crusade. His commitment to his liege lords was consistently demonstrated through his active participation in their affairs. For instance, in 1305, he received and promptly answered a summons from his lord, Philip of Savoy, to attend a grand tournament and a parliament convened on the ancient Isthmus of Corinth, a crucial gathering of the region's elite. Just two years later, in 1307, he similarly responded to the call of Philip I of Taranto, further underscoring his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the feudal system governing medieval Greece.

The Battle of the Cephissus and Albert's Demise

The year 1311 marked a tragic turning point for Albert Pallavicini. On March 15th of that year, he bravely rode into the fateful Battle of the Cephissus, fighting under the banner of Walter V of Brienne, the Duke of Athens. This pivotal engagement, fought in Boeotia, was a catastrophic defeat for the Frankish forces against the Catalan Company, drastically reshaping the political landscape of Greece. Sadly, Albert Pallavicini did not survive the brutal conflict, perishing alongside many other noblemen. According to the strict feudal laws outlined in the Assizes of Romania, his valuable fief of Bodonitsa was subsequently inherited by his grieving widow, Maria dalle Carceri, and their daughter, Guglielma, ensuring the continued lineage and legal succession of the marquessate despite his untimely death.

Frequently Asked Questions about Albert Pallavicini

Who was Albert Pallavicini?

Albert Pallavicini (also known as Alberto Pallavicini) was the fifth Marquess of Bodonitsa, a Frankish lordship or Crusader state in medieval Greece. He inherited the title from his father, Thomas Pallavicini, and ruled until his death in 1311.

When did Albert Pallavicini rule Bodonitsa?

He served as the Marquess of Bodonitsa from the death of his father until his own death in 1311.

What was his connection to Euboea?

Albert Pallavicini married Maria dalle Carceri, a Venetian noblewoman from Euboea. Through this marriage, he managed to acquire a one-sixth share of the island, expanding his family's territorial influence.

What was Albert Pallavicini's political allegiance?

He was a loyal and active vassal of the Princes of Achaea, participating in their courts and military summonses, such as those by Philip of Savoy in 1305 and Philip I of Taranto in 1307.

How did Albert Pallavicini die?

Albert Pallavicini was killed on March 15, 1311, while fighting alongside Walter V of Brienne in the Battle of the Cephissus, a decisive conflict where the Frankish forces were defeated by the Catalan Company.

Who inherited Albert Pallavicini's lands after his death?

Following the laws of the Assizes of Romania, his fief of Bodonitsa was inherited by his widow, Maria dalle Carceri, and his daughter, Guglielma.