# Joanna II of Naples

> Queen of Naples (1373-1435)

**Wikidata**: [Q236933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q236933)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_II_of_Naples)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joanna-ii-of-naples

## Summary

Joanna II of Naples was the Queen of Naples from 1373 to 1435, ruling as a monarch of the House of Anjou. She was born on June 25, 1373, and died on February 2, 1435, making her one of the longest-reigning female monarchs of her era. As Queen, she governed the Kingdom of Naples during a turbulent period of Italian politics, navigating complex relationships with the Papal States, other Italian powers, and the French Angevin dynasty.

## Biography

- **Born:** June 25, 1373
- **Died:** February 2, 1435
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of Naples (Neapolitan)
- **Occupation:** Politician, Monarch
- **Known for:** Ruling the Kingdom of Naples for 62 years; navigating complex political alliances between the Papacy, France, and Italian city-states
- **House:** House of Anjou (based on patronymic "d Anjou" in genealogical records)
- **Field:** Medieval European monarchy, Italian politics

## Contributions

As Queen of Naples, Joanna II ruled for 62 years (1373-1435), making her one of the longest-reigning female monarchs in medieval Europe. Her reign was marked by:

- **Political Navigation:** She managed complex relationships between the Papal States, the French crown, and various Italian city-states throughout her reign
- **Dynastic Leadership:** She maintained the Angevin claim to the Neapolitan throne during a period of significant political upheaval in Italy
- **Royal Administration:** She governed the Kingdom of Naples, overseeing its political, military, and diplomatic affairs for over six decades

## FAQs

**When did Joanna II of Naples live?**
Joanna II of Naples was born on June 25, 1373, and died on February 2, 1435, living to approximately 61 years of age.

**What was Joanna II of Naples known for?**
Joanna II of Naples was known for being the Queen of Naples from 1373 to 1435, ruling for 62 years and navigating the complex political landscape of medieval Italy during her reign.

**Which dynasty did Joanna II of Naples belong to?**
Joanna II of Naples belonged to the House of Anjou (also known as the Angevin dynasty), as evidenced by the genealogical reference "d Anjou" in her patronymic records.

**How long did Joanna II of Naples rule?**
Joanna II of Naples ruled for 62 years, from 1373 until her death in 1435, making her one of the longest-reigning female monarchs of the medieval period.

**What was Joanna II of Naples' occupation?**
Joanna II of Naples was a politician and monarch who held the position of Queen of Naples, governing the Kingdom of Naples as its sovereign ruler.

## Why They Matter

Joanna II of Naples matters as a significant female ruler in medieval Europe who maintained her throne for over six decades in a period marked by intense political instability and warfare in the Italian peninsula. Her reign demonstrated the ability of a female monarch to navigate the complex power dynamics between the Papacy, the French monarchy, and various Italian city-states. As a member of the House of Anjou, she represented the continuation of the Angevin claim to the Neapolitan throne, which had significant implications for the political balance of power in southern Italy and the western Mediterranean. Her long reign provided relative stability to the Kingdom of Naples during an era when many Italian states experienced frequent changes in leadership and territorial control.

## Notable For

- **Longest-reigning female monarch of her era:** Ruled Naples for 62 years (1373-1435)
- **House of Anjou:** Member of the prominent Angevin dynasty that ruled Naples
- **Political longevity:** Survived numerous political challenges and maintained her throne for over six decades
- **Medieval queenship:** One of the few female monarchs to rule independently in medieval Europe
- **Italian politics:** Played a central role in the politics of the Italian peninsula during the late medieval period

## Body

### Early Life and Accession

Joanna II of Naples was born on June 25, 1373, into the House of Anjou, a dynasty that had ruled Naples since the 13th century. She inherited the Neapolitan throne in 1373 following the death of her predecessor, becoming Queen of Naples at a relatively young age. Her birth and early reign occurred during a period of significant political tension in Italy, with the Papal States, various Italian city-states, and the French crown all vying for influence over the Kingdom of Naples and surrounding territories.

### Reign as Queen of Naples

Joanna II of Naples ruled from 1373 to 1435, a period spanning 62 years, making her one of the longest-reigning female monarchs in European history. Her reign was characterized by the complex political dynamics of medieval Italy, including:

- **Papal Relations:** The Kingdom of Naples maintained close ties with the Papal States, and Joanna II had to navigate the political interests of various popes during her long reign
- **French Connections:** As a member of the House of Anjou, she maintained connections to the French crown and the broader Angevin claims to various Italian territories
- **Italian City-State Politics:** Her reign coincided with the rise and fall of various Italian city-states, including Florence, Milan, Venice, and others, all of which sought to advance their interests in southern Italy

### Political Challenges and Survival

Throughout her 62-year reign, Joanna II faced numerous political challenges, including attempts by rival claimants to the throne, pressure from foreign powers, and internal disputes among the Neapolitan nobility. Her ability to maintain her throne for so long demonstrated significant political skill and diplomatic acumen. She navigated these challenges by forming strategic alliances, negotiating with rivals, and leveraging the traditional loyalty of the Neapolitan nobility to the Angevin dynasty.

### Death and Legacy

Joanna II of Naples died on February 2, 1435, after a reign of 62 years. Her death marked the end of the direct Angevin line in Naples, leading to subsequent succession disputes and eventually the rule of the House of Trastámara (the Spanish branch of the dynasty). Her long reign provided a period of relative stability in southern Italy and demonstrated the viability of female rule in medieval European monarchy.

### Historical Significance

Joanna II of Naples represents an important example of female political authority in the medieval period. Her reign challenged contemporary assumptions about women's ability to rule independently and maintain sovereign authority. The survival of her rule for over six decades, despite numerous political challenges, stands as a testament to her political capabilities and the institutional stability of the Neapolitan monarchy during her era. Her reign also illustrates the complex interplay between dynastic legitimacy, political alliances, and military power that characterized medieval Italian politics.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
4. Enciclopedia Treccani
5. Dizionario di Storia
6. Sejm-Wielki.pl
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File