Politics

House of Aragon in Naples

erdinand I (Ferrante) of Aragon, ruler of Naples- He was the illegitimate son of Alfonso, a Spanish ruler who left his newly conquered lands in Naples to Ferrante. His historical claim to fame was his cruel, greed, and malicious nature. However, despite his villainous reputation, he was clever, determined, and successful.

Although he was generally a treacherous and cruel man, Ferrante was still respected. He was married twice, but there were numerous women in his life. When he was young, Ferrante had an excellent humanist education. However, he cared little to please people during his reign. He often spoke Spanish, irritating the Italians, and he did not care if he was popular or not. He did care about maintaining his oppressive power and staying in power. He was consequentially involved in numerous wars. He was key in establishing the silk industry in Naples. He died at the age of seventy on January of 1494.

Alfonso II of Aragon, ruler of Naples- son of Ferrante who had none of the good qualities of his father and all of the bad ones. His historical claim to fame was his reputation as a brutal, arrogant soldier. He was considered at his time to be one of the more capable commanders, but he, in fact, showed much cowardice.

Alfonso did win some important battles in his time, but he created many enemies through his wars. In a battle against Roberto Malatesta, he abandoned his troops and fled. His reign ended when he panicked under the advance of Charles VIII. He committed many awful crimes in his rule as well. He died in a monastery in Sicily.

Ferdinand II (Ferrantino) of Aragon, ruler of Naples- son of Alfonso who was very unlike his father and grandfather. His historical claim to fame was his popularity, courage, and energy.

Ferrantino took rule when France was closing in on Naples and spent his whole short rule trying to take back Naples. He was an athletic man who was skilled in running, jumping, and horsemanship. Obtaining help from Spain, Ferrantino was successful in retaking Naples and then betrayed his relatives from the House of Aragon to claim Naples for himself. Just before his death, he married his aunt, Giovanna. In 1496, Ferrantino died at the height of his success. He most likely died of malaria.